Introduction

The 2026 BET Awards, held on Sunday, June 28, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, once again cemented its reputation as "Culture's Biggest Night." The ceremony brought together the biggest names in music, film, sports, and entertainment for a night of celebration, performance, and recognition. Comedian and influencer Druski made history as the youngest host ever to helm the awards show, bringing his signature humor and energy to the stage. The evening was packed with electrifying performances by Tems, Kehlani, Don Toliver, and Cardi B, among others, and featured emotional tributes and milestone moments.

Top Nominees and Pre-Show Buzz

Cardi B led all nominees with six nods, including Album of the Year for AM I THE DRAMA? and Best Female Hip Hop Artist. Kendrick Lamar and Mariah the Scientist followed with five nominations each, while Doechii, Doja Cat, Teyana Taylor, Olivia Dean, Latto, and Clipse each earned four. The strong showing by female artists underscored the dominance of women in hip-hop and R&B this year. The red carpet saw stunning fashion and interviews with nominees, setting the stage for an unforgettable night.

Album of the Year

One of the most anticipated categories, Album of the Year, went to Clipse for Let God Sort Em Out. The album, which marked a powerful return for the duo, beat out strong competition from Cardi B, Tyler the Creator, Wale, Mariah the Scientist, Leon Thomas, J. Cole, and Bruno Mars. Clipse's victory was a highlight of the night, celebrating their enduring influence in hip-hop.

R&B/Pop Categories

In Best Female R&B/Pop Artist, Kehlani took home the award, beating out Ari Lennox, Coco Jones, Ella Mai, Jill Scott, Mariah the Scientist, Olivia Dean, SZA, and Tems. For Best Male R&B/Pop Artist, Leon Thomas emerged victorious over Brent Faiyaz, Bruno Mars, Bryson Tiller, Chris Brown, Durand Bernarr, GIVĒON, October London, and Usher. These wins highlighted the depth of talent in contemporary R&B.

Hip-Hop Awards

Cardi B won Best Female Hip Hop Artist, continuing her reign in the category. She beat out Coi Leray, Doechii, Doja Cat, GloRilla, Latto, Megan Thee Stallion, Monaleo, and YKNIECE. Kendrick Lamar won Best Male Hip Hop Artist, defeating A$AP Rocky, Baby Keem, BigXthaPlug, DaBaby, Don Toliver, Drake, J. Cole, and T.I. Clipse also won Best Group, solidifying their comeback.

Best Collaboration and Viewers' Choice

The Best Collaboration award went to Clipse and Kendrick Lamar for "Chains & Whips," a track that blended their signature styles. The Viewers' Choice award, determined by fan votes, was not officially announced in the provided list but the category featured ten nominated songs including hits from Mariah the Scientist, Clipse, Tyla, Kehlani, Bruno Mars, Chris Brown, Olivia Dean, Cardi B, Dave & Tems, and Metro Boomin.

New Artist and Gospel

Best New Artist was awarded to Olivia Dean, a rising star from the UK whose soulful voice has captivated audiences worldwide. She beat out Belly Gang Kushington, DESTIN CONRAD, JayDon, kwn, Miles Minnick, Monaleo, RAYE, and Trap Dickey. The Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award went to "Headphones" by Lecrae, Killer Mike, and T.I., a powerful collaboration blending hip-hop and gospel themes.

BET Her and Video of the Year

The BET Her award, celebrating empowering songs for women, was won by "girl, get up." by Doechii featuring SZA. Video of the Year went to Kehlani for "Folded," a visually stunning and emotionally resonant music video. Teyana Taylor won Video Director of the Year, adding to her incredible night.

Special Honors and Awards

Teyana Taylor was a standout winner, taking home Fashion Vanguard Award, Best Actress, and Video Director of the Year. She was also honored with the Icon of the Year award later in the show. Druski won The Pulse Award, recognizing his impact across media. The Best Movie award went to Sinners, while Michael B. Jordan won Best Actor. Jazzy’s World TV won the YoungStars Award, and A’ja Wilson and Jalen Brunson were named Sportswoman and Sportsman of the Year, respectively.

Performances and Tributes

The night featured memorable performances, including a soulful tribute to D’Angelo by Ari Lennox, RAYE, George Clinton, and others. Cardi B, Tems, Kehlani, and Don Toliver also performed their biggest hits. The ceremony honored Ms. Lauryn Hill with the Living Legend Icon Award, and Sylvia Rhone received the Ultimate Icon Award from Kelly Rowland. These moments reminded audiences of the deep legacy and ongoing evolution of Black culture.

Full List of Winners

Album of the Year

• WINNER: Let God Sort Em Out — Clipse

Best Female R&B/Pop Artist

• WINNER: Kehlani

Best Male R&B/Pop Artist

• WINNER: Leon Thomas

Best Female Hip Hop Artist

• WINNER: Cardi B

Best Male Hip Hop Artist

• WINNER: Kendrick Lamar

Best Group

• WINNER: Clipse

Best Collaboration

• WINNER: “Chains & Whips” — Clipse and Kendrick Lamar

Best New Artist

• WINNER: Olivia Dean

Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award

• WINNER: “Headphones” — Lecrae, Killer Mike, and T.I.

BET Her

• WINNER: “girl, get up.” — Doechii feat. SZA

Video of the Year

• WINNER: “Folded” — Kehlani

Video Director of the Year

• WINNER: Teyana Taylor

Fashion Vanguard Award

• WINNER: Teyana Taylor

The Pulse Award

• WINNER: Druski

Best Movie

• WINNER: Sinners

Best Actress

• WINNER: Teyana Taylor

Best Actor

• WINNER: Michael B. Jordan

YoungStars Award

• WINNER: Jazzy’s World TV

Sportswoman of the Year

• WINNER: A’ja Wilson (Basketball)

Sportsman of the Year

• WINNER: Jalen Brunson (Basketball)

The 2026 BET Awards delivered a night of recognition, inspiration, and celebration of Black excellence across all fields. With Druski's charismatic hosting, stunning performances, and a diverse array of winners, the event once again showed why it remains a cornerstone of entertainment culture.

Source: Yahoo Entertainment News