Teyana Taylor named Icon of the Year at 2026 BET Awards

musicJun 29, 202650442

At the 2026 BET Awards Janet Jackson presented Teyana Taylor with the Icon of the Year award, bringing Taylor to tears in the audience as Jackson called her an inspiration to Black girls around the world. Taylor accepted wearing blue and declared, "I will wear this title loud and proud." The night also saw Taylor leading early with three competitive wins, including Video Director of the Year under the credit Teyana “Spike-Tey” Taylor. Jackson also delivered a red carpet tribute to Tupac Shakur earlier in the program. The ceremony closed on performances and tributes that included Raye, T.I., Cardi B introduced by Keke Palmer, and a Lauryn Hill Living Legend honor.

The Root

@therootdotcom.bsky.social

Sylvia Rhone accepted the Ultimate Icon Award at the #BETAwards on Sunday. During her speech, she made it clear that honoring Black creativity also means protecting it, especially in the age of AI. Her message to the industry was direct: “We make the algorithm. The algorithm doesn’t make us.”

457h ago

Rob Milton

@therobmilton.com

- Whitney would’ve gone up for her Jersey girl! #BETAwards

467h ago

Strictly 4 My Navigators

@lizzslockeroom.bsky.social

I also loved that the tribute started with Tanya Trotter (Blount) 💙🙌🏾 #BETAwards #SisterAct2

337h ago

LikeLotionForAsh1

And her voice with age sounds even better! Amazing.

NIKKI Baby 🍫♊️💜

@becauseofnikki.blacksky.app

Zion coming out to “Zion” is definitely an iconic moment!!! #BETAwards

197h ago

nancy 🦋✨

@nancyk5.bsky.social

Teyana Taylor in Stéphane Rolland SS26 at the 2026 BET Awards #fashionsky

1610h ago

Meatwad Ron: Summer of Ron

@wrenispinkle.bsky.social

Watching some of the BET Awards tonight and I think it’s cool that us libs got Cardi B in the national divorce while MAGA is stuck with Nicki Minaj

223h ago

Bird Man

@percivalpenman.bsky.social

Black folk >>>> Black folk during the BET Awards >>>>

137h ago

KawsdeEJ

@ejandnobrandy.blacksky.app

Mane this is one of the dopest Tributes ! #BETAwards

117h ago

Pablo

@pabsinthehouse.bsky.social

Dawg at the Crib won't be on #BB28 spotted at Tonight's BET Awards. Same for Taylor and Chelsie

From Chelsie's IG story.

My Dawg + Movie Star Cam Sullivan Brown.

Tiffany from Survivor 46 + 50, plus Taylor tagged on post.

Chelsie your no Child of God your a Problematic Preacher

158h ago

The Governor of Chaos 🇳🇬🇨🇩

@theigbobear.blacksky.app

This Tribute is one of the best of all generations and award shows. Give BET their respect #BETAwards

107h ago

BlackskyNews 🗞️

@blackskynews.blacksky.app

As the Oscar nominee sobbed audibly from her seat, Miss Jackson reminded Teyana Taylor that she is a testament to the greatest superhero the world will EVER know…the Black Woman. #BlackskyNews #betawards www.eonline.com/videos/25050...

56h ago

@epark1016.blacksky.app

So they just gonna keep on airing Target commercials during the BET Awards?

118h ago

Janet Snackson5

Target is BEGGING Black people to shop there again!

Ms.B1

I’m still trying to get past Rick Ross and Ice Cube 🤦🏾‍♀️ I changed the channel.

Quoting this

Double Aunt Andre 3000 AKA Jason Reefer4

BET run by the opps so this not surprising.

Hurry N Wait

@kingofdskreets.blacksky.app

I’m not watching the BET Awards, but I must say from the posts I’ve seen on here, it is nice to see that they brought some class to the BET awards. The folks are showing up as though they’re going to the Grammys, Oscars and Met Gala. Show up for us the way you show up for them! Love it.

108h ago

YoursINegritude

@yoursinegritude.bsky.social

#BET I love Teyana Taylor. She is so open and free and whimsical. She seems to be beautiful inside and out.

89h ago

Somebody’s Auntie 🤷🏾‍♀️

@hausofbawdy.blacksky.app

I think people may question Teyana Taylor getting an Icon award because we aren’t use to giving people their flowers in their prime, let alone when they they are still here with us.

128h ago

3 sources

umlegacypressqsefc.comT.I. Performs “Top Back” and “Let ‘Em Know” at BET Awards 2026: The Atlanta native was nominated for three awards at this year’s ceremony #TI #BETawards #TopBack #LetEmKnow #HipHop hollywoodlife.comWhat Time Are the BET Awards on Tonight? When to Watch the 2026 Ceremony eonline.comKeke Palmer Steals the Show at BET Awards 2026 During Cardi B Intro

Lauryn Hill honored with BET Living Legend Icon Awardmusic Teyana Taylor named Icon of the Year at 2026 BET Awardsmusic

Teyana Taylor named Icon of the Year at 2026 BET Awards

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