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Tag: BET Awards

  • SZA, Doechii Lead Lauryn Hill BET Awards Tribute

    Ms. Lauryn Hill

    The music world celebrated a legend last night as Ms. Lauryn Hill was honored with the newly created Living Legend Icon award at the BET Awards, solidifying her status as one of history’s most influential artists. The celebration was a vibrant tapestry woven with powerful performances and deeply personal reflections, marking not just a career milestone but a moment of shared cultural reverence.

    The evening kicked off with an explosive display of talent, featuring collaborations that bridged generations and genres. SZA and Doechii set the tone by performing a rendition of the Fugees’ “Ready or Not,” while Tierra Whack and Tems delivered a sultry performance of “Fu-Gee-La.” The musical lineup continued to delve into Hill’s extensive catalog, with Doja Cat tackling the classic “Superstar” before joining Nas for an unforgettable performance of “If I Ruled the World (Imagine That),” a track that originally featured Hill’s iconic vocals.

    The tribute extended across the spectrum of music and culture. The powerful gospel-inflected duo War & Treaty shared a moving rendition of “His Eye Is on the Sparrow,” a song intrinsically linked to Hill’s career legacy due to its inclusion in the 1993 film Sister Act 2.

    Beyond the stage, the celebration brought together family and industry figures, including Hill’s children Selah, YG Marley, and Zion Marley, alongside appearances from Lizzo, Rapsody, and Alexia Jayy. The emotional crescendo arrived when Queen Latifah and Common joined forces for a fiery performance of “Lost Ones,” a defining track from the seminal 1998 album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.

    The night’s true surprise came when Ms. Hill took center stage. With a playful quip about missing a song, she launched into “Ex-Factor,” prompting a standing ovation at Los Angeles’ Peacock Theater. Earlier in the evening, Ice Cube presented the award, praising Hill as one of the most influential artists in hip-hop and R&B history.

    In a moment that touched many hearts, Ms. Hill reflected on the guiding principles of her career. She shared that she pursues her work to ensure others experience the richness of her journey. “We may not always agree all the time, but I’m rooting for you and I’m grateful that you root for me sometimes too,” she told the audience. “All of our differences, all of our uniqueness, that’s the beauty, ya’ll. We don’t have to sound the same. We don’t have to be the same. We don’t have to look the same. That’s the beauty. I love you.”

    The ceremony also highlighted the enduring influence of other icons. Janet Jackson appeared unannounced to present the Icon of the Year award to Teyana Taylor, who was visibly moved by the surprise. Jackson praised Taylor’s work ethic and artistic versatility, recognizing her talents as “God-given.” Reflecting on her own two-decade career, Taylor emphasized gratitude: “I worked my ass off 20 years. So I’m not accepting what I’ve earned with arrogance. I’m accepting what I’ve earned with gratitude.”

    The tribute further honored the legacy of D’Angelo, featuring appearances by his children before performances from Ari Lennox, BJ the Chicago Kid, Durand Bernarr, George Clinton, and RAYE, celebrating the lasting influence of neo-soul’s revered figure. Music executive Sylvia Rhone also received the BET Ultimate Icon Award for her groundbreaking career and influence across multiple generations of artists.

    The event concluded with a stellar lineup of performers, including Cardi B, Kehlani, Don Toliver, French Montana, Rick Ross, and Max B, all contributing to an unforgettable celebration of musical greatness.

    Credit: Spin

  • Lauryn Hill Receives BET Awards Tribute From Doechii, SZA, Tems, Tierra Whack, Doja Cat, & More

    The BET Awards stage was set for a night of pure musical reverence, culminating in an unforgettable tribute to a true icon: Lauryn Hill. The living legend was honored with the prestigious Living Legend Icon Award, rightfully cementing her legacy as one of the most influential figures in music history.

    The celebration that followed was nothing short of a masterclass in musical storytelling. The festivities kicked off with a deeply personal summary of Hill’s remarkable career, delivered by Ice Cube. He took the stage to chronicle her journey, tracing it back to her acting debut in 1993’s Sister Act 2, setting an immediate tone of respect and nostalgia.

    The tribute continued as bandmate Wyclef Jean stepped forward to share the history of their time together in the iconic Fugees. These stories provided a rich tapestry of Hill’s artistic achievements, weaving together her solo brilliance with the group dynamic that defined an era.

    But the honor was only the beginning. The tribute quickly expanded into a breathtaking gathering of musical royalty, featuring an astonishing lineup of contemporary artists who paid homage to Hill’s enduring influence. The star-studded assembly included SZA, Tems, Doechii, Tierra Whack, Nas, YG Marley, Lizzo, Queen Latifah, and Common.

    It was a powerful demonstration that Lauryn Hill‘s impact transcends generations and genres. Surrounded by such an incredible constellation of talent, the evening proved that her voice remains not just a classic, but a living, breathing force that continues to inspire and resonate across the music world.

    Credit: Stereogum

  • 7 Best Moments From the 2026 BET Awards You Didn’t See on Television

    Los Angeles was the epicenter of cultural celebration this past Sunday night as the 2026 BET Awards took center stage at the Peacock Theatre. Hosted by Billboard, the event delivered an unforgettable evening, anchored by heartfelt tributes and explosive performances that showcased the breadth and power of contemporary music.

    The night was a true symphony of talent, featuring a wide range of performers who captivated the audience. From R&B sensations like Kehlani and Tems to hip-hop giants such as Cardi B, Don Toliver, Baby Keem, and T.I., alongside British powerhouse RAYE, the stage was set for musical excellence.

    A significant focus of the evening was honoring the legacies of music legends. Ms. Lauryn Hill received a sprawling tribute, recognizing her status as a living legend icon. This tribute featured some of contemporary music’s biggest stars and her own musician children, including Selah, YG, and Zion Marley, who provided a powerful reggae backbone to the celebration.

    The musical tributes were deeply moving and dynamic. The show kicked off with The War and Treaty performing “Joyful, Joyful,” weaving together gospel and thespian themes that ground Ms. Hill’s remarkable oeuvre. Cross-generational performances followed, as Doja Cat and Nas delivered a joint rendition of “If I Ruled the World.” Lizzo and Rapsody joined forces for a classic groove with “Doo Wop (That Thing),” while Common and Queen Latifah brought energy to the room with “Lost Ones.”

    The celebration extended to honoring another musical giant, D’Angelo. His illustrious backing band, The Vanguard, reunited to support stellar vocalists including RAYE, George Clinton, Ari Lennox, Isaiah Sharley, BJ the Chicago Kid, and Durnad Bernarr, delivering a killer performance of “S—t, Damn, Motherf—er.”

    Beyond music, the ceremony recognized outstanding achievement across various fields. Cardi B, the night’s most-nominated artist, swept the accolades, taking home the new best female hip-hop artist trophy for her third win. Teyana Taylor and Clipse also dominated the night, each securing three wins. The star of One Battle After Another claimed multiple awards, including best actress, video director of the year, and the newly established fashion vanguard award, alongside her honorary Icon of the Year Award.

    The accolades acknowledged powerful group efforts as well. The Virginia-hailing brother duo took home awards for best group, best collaboration for their Kendrick Lamar-assisted “Chains & Whips,” and the album of the year for Let God Sort Em Out.

    Adding further recognition to industry titans, culture-shaping record executive Sylvia Rhone received the Ultimate Icon Award, presented by Kelly Rowland, for her indelible impact on contemporary Black music and the wider industry.

    The awards extended beyond the realm of music. In cinematic recognition, Sinners won best movie. Michael B. Jackson was honored with best actor, and Jalen Brunson, the New York Knicks 2026 NBA Finals MVP, was named sportsman of the year.

    Credit: Billboard

  • Lauyrn Hill Receives Living Legend Icon Award After Incredible Tribute at 2026 BET Awards: ‘I Want People to Know What We Can Do’

    Music royalty always seems to find a way to define the very fabric of culture, but for some artists, that definition comes with an undeniable gravitas. Sunday night, at the 2026 BET Awards, Lauryn Hill was rightfully honored as the inaugural recipient of the Living Legend Icon Award.

    This recognition isn’t just an accolade; it’s a profound acknowledgment of an artistic legacy that has spanned decades. The award celebrates those pioneers who have not only mastered their craft but have refused to let go of the culture they helped create, cementing Hill’s status as a true living legend.

    Hill’s career trajectory is a masterclass in evolution. She first made her mark on the silver screen as Rita Louise Watson in Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit in 1993. But her voice truly soared when she joined forces with Wyclef Jean and Pras Michel to form the Fugees in 1994, releasing their debut album Blunted on Reality. The true seismic shift arrived in 1996 with her performance of Roberta Flack’s “Killing Me Softly With His Song” in The Score, followed by the release of her seminal solo work, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, which permanently redefined what a hip-hop album could sound like.

    When she stepped onto the stage for the tribute, the energy was palpable. The performance itself was a dazzling tapestry woven from the history of music and culture. Starting with Ice Cube setting the stage, the evening transitioned through powerful collaborations featuring artists like Doechii, SZA, Tems, and Doja Cat. The medley included iconic tracks and performances that celebrated the collective power of music, seamlessly blending classic hits with modern sensations.

    Beyond the performance, Hill’s acceptance speech offered a deeply moving perspective on her life and work. She articulated why she fights for others, emphasizing a deep-seated desire to share the love and protection she experienced. “I do this because I love y’all,” she stated, explaining that her mission stems from a feeling of responsibility to pour out the love she received into others.

    She further elaborated on her advocacy, noting that fighting for her community, family, and grandparents is inseparable from fighting for herself. “I fight for y’all,” she declared, asserting that this fight for others is also a fight for self. She expressed a powerful commitment to using music as a vehicle not just for personal expression, but for communication, insisting that people should know what artists can achieve.

    Lauryn Hill’s enduring legacy is a testament to the fact that true stardom is about more than hits and albums—it is about influence. As she accepted the Living Legend Icon Award, her words served as a reminder that the greatest icons are those who use their platform to champion dignity, freedom, and boundless possibility for everyone.

    Credit: Billboard

  • Snubs & Surprises at the 2026 BET Awards

    The spectacle of awards season often delivers predictable results, but the 2026 BET Awards proved that sometimes the biggest surprises are the most rewarding. Presented at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday, June 28, the ceremony showcased a vibrant mix of established talent and exciting new voices, celebrating cinematic triumphs and musical dominance.

    Among the glittering winners was Michael B. Jordan, who brought his acting prowess to the stage, securing the award for Best Star. This win was particularly satisfying, given that he had already cemented his status with an Oscar for Best Actor earlier this year, making the dual recognition a true testament to his undeniable talent.

    The spotlight also shone brightly on Teyana Taylor, who took home Best Actress for her work in One Battle After Another. Her achievement highlights the power of storytelling, proving that dedication and emotional depth translate into high recognition at the highest levels of the industry.

    Not only were the established stars celebrated, but the show also recognized emerging talent. Olivia Dean emerged as a standout, winning the Best New Artist award. This makes her the fifth artist to capture this coveted prize at both the Grammy and BET ceremonies, signaling a strong wave of fresh creativity entering the music landscape.

    The competition in the realm of hip-hop was fierce, with Kendrick Lamar once again demonstrating his commanding presence. He claimed Best Male Hip-Hop Artist for the ninth time, establishing himself as a dominant force whose achievements outpaced those of other highly decorated artists like Drake and Ye.

    Perhaps one of the most intriguing moments of the evening was the recognition given to Sinners for Best Movie. This film earned a record 16 Oscar nominations, yet it didn’t take the top prize. The reversal of fortune is fascinating: while it missed the highest accolade, the film’s success speaks volumes about its compelling narrative and creative vision. Furthermore, the film’s recognition was amplified by the fact that it was helmed by a Black writer and director, Ryan Coogler, and boasted a predominantly Black cast.

    These results underscore a crucial point: not every award ceremony adheres strictly to conventional wisdom. The 2026 BET Awards delivered more than just winners; they provided a compelling narrative about creative achievement, demonstrating that true artistic merit often defies expectations and rewards the boldest stories in Hollywood and music.

    Credit: Billboard

  • Kelly Rowland Salutes Sylvia Rhone With Ultimate Icon Award at 2026 BET Awards: ‘Music Needs Us to Stand Up for It Like Never Before’

    Trailblazing record industry executive Sylvia Rhone has been recognized for her monumental impact on music, receiving the Ultimate Icon Award at the 2026 BET Awards. The special honor celebrates a career defined by groundbreaking achievement, including her recent six-year tenure as chairman and CEO of Epic Records. The presentation came from fellow artist Kelly Rowland, who shared her admiration for Rhone’s vision.

    Rowland recalled their first meeting, noting the powerful presence of an icon. “Sylvia has a particular aura that engulfs any room she walks in,” Rowland shared. She described Rhone’s drive and commitment to creating quality artists as something unique to a true icon.

    When accepting the award on stage, accompanied by a standing ovation and the tune of “Free Your Mind” by En Vogue—another act Rhone mentored to fame—Rhone shifted the focus from herself to the collective. She asserted that while the award honored her, “it really belongs to all of us who create culture.”

    Rhone emphasized the power of Black creativity in shaping the world and called for greater protection for artists. She reflected on her journey across various companies like Atlantic, Elektra, Motown, and Epic, noting how musical ideas often translate into powerful movements.

    In a timely reflection on the current climate, Rhone addressed the necessity of standing up for music amidst massive technological change. She argued that while exciting possibilities abound, the focus must remain balanced between innovation and soul. “We make the algorithm, but the algorithm doesn’t make us,” she stated. This perspective calls for honoring the musician, compensating creators, and ensuring the next generation has the opportunity to craft world-changing songs.

    Rhone’s tribute included a nod to the extraordinary artists who have inspired her career, shouting out a who’s who that encompassed figures like Busta Rhymes, Badu, Gerald Levert, Brandy, Future, Travis Scott, and Tyla. These names underscore a rich legacy built on diverse talent and shared artistic vision.

    The celebration extended beyond the awards ceremony. Earlier during BET Week on June 25, Grammy winner Missy Elliott hosted “The Sylvia Rhone Legacy Celebration,” showcasing music stars and creatives packed into The Sun Rose West Hollywood. The event featured a wide array of celebrated figures, including Stevie Wonder, Lil Wayne, songwriter-producers Jimmy Jam and Bryan-Michael Cox, and HYBE America president of music Ethiopia Habtemariam.

    The evening was curated by Grammy- and Emmy Award-winning producer/multi-instrumentalist Adam Blackstone. The musical salute encompassed the extensive scope of Rhone’s career and celebrated the diverse artists whose careers she helped develop and guide, featuring performances from talents like Jozzy and Flo.

    Credit: Billboard

  • Best Performances at the 2026 BET Awards, Ranked

    Los Angeles was the epicenter of celebration on Sunday night (June 28) as the annual BET Awards returned, once again delivering a stellar showcase of Black excellence and cultural dominance. Moving beyond previous years, this ceremony served as a dynamic platform honoring not only musical legends but also the rising stars who are currently defining the landscape of R&B and hip-hop.

    The event was a true reunion of titans, bringing together figures whose contributions have shaped modern music. While names like Mariah Carey, Jamie Foxx, Snoop Dogg, and Kirk Franklin have graced these stages in previous years, this installment focused on acknowledging the present-day powerhouses rallying the rap and R&B Avengers.

    The night featured a powerful blend of nostalgia and forward-looking recognition. Janet Jackson brought undeniable grace to the proceedings, notably presenting the Icon of the Year Award to Teyana Taylor. The celebration also paid tribute to the many Black luminaries who have passed, with six-time Grammy winner Erica Campbell offering a stirring performance of Whitney Houston’s “I Love the Lord.”

    The scope of the awards honored a rich tapestry of musical influence. Legendary music executive Sylvia Rhone was celebrated for her enduring impact on artists such as Missy Elliott, Future, and Brandy, underscoring the deep history embedded within the industry.

    The focus remained firmly on contemporary creativity. The ceremony recognized an R&B superteam featuring Ari Lennox and Durand Bernarr for honoring the legacy of D’Angelo. Doja Cat, Doechii, and others were celebrated alongside the incomparable Lauryn Hill, while the spotlight shone on emerging talents like Kwn and Kenny Iko, who made their official BET Awards debuts.

    Beyond the legends, the night was a vibrant testament to ongoing artistic innovation. Stars like Tems and RAYE delivered standout performances, proving that Black creativity remains as energetic and vibrant as ever, setting new benchmarks for contemporary music.

    Credit: Billboard

  • Janet Jackson Presents Teyana Taylor With Icon of the Year Award at 2026 BET Awards: ‘I Will Wear This Title Loud & Proud’

    Teyana Taylor recently claimed the prestigious Icon of the Year Award at the 2026 BET Awards, an accolade that brought a wave of emotion and reflection to the red carpet.

    The night culminated in a deeply moving moment when Janet Jackson made a surprise appearance to present the award to Taylor. This gesture instantly connected two figures who share a profound history, sparking visible emotion as Jackson shared heartfelt words about Taylor’s journey.

    “It seems like only yesterday, our rose from Harlem grew out of the concrete and blossomed into our Icon of the Year,” Jackson gushed. “Watching you defy expectations, rewrite the rules, and lead with an unstoppable work ethic has been incredible.”

    For Taylor, the moment was overwhelming. Overcome with emotion, she wiped away her tears and accepted the honor, but she made sure to share a moment of gratitude back to her inspiration.

    “I love you so much,” Taylor told Jackson. “Thank you for always seeing me. Thank you for every text, every hug, every talk. You are my biggest inspiration. There would be no me without you.”

    The exchange underscored the deep bond between the two stars, illustrating how personal history fuels artistic success. Taylor reflected on the achievement, acknowledging that her triumph was earned through dedication rather than arrogance.

    “Tonight they handed me a title and that title is Icon of the Year,” she stated. “I worked my a–off for this, so I’m not accepting what I’ve earned with arrogance; I’m accepting it with gratitude.”

    Refusing to let the success overshadow her values, Taylor urged others to understand that helping others does not diminish one’s own light. She promised to wear her title proudly while continuing to pour positivity into her community.

    Taylor’s career continues to be marked by significant achievements beyond the BET Awards recognition. She recently starred in the Oscar-winning film One Battle After Another, earning a Golden Globe nomination and Academy Award nomination for her performance as Perfidia. Furthermore, she released her highly successful Escape Room album, which debuted strongly on the Billboard 200 chart.

    The celebration also recognized other talent in the industry; Spike Tee was honored with additional BET Awards, including recognition for video director of the year, the fashion vanguard award, and best actress.

    Credit: Billboard

  • Here Are the Winners of the 2026 BET Awards: Updating Live

    The stage is set for some serious celebration as the 2026 BET Awards are gearing up to hit the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday, June 28th. This isn’t just another awards show; it’s a spotlight illuminating the cultural landscape of music and entertainment.

    Hosted by the dynamic Druski, the event will air live at 8 p.m. ET/PT on BET and will be broadcast across a wide array of channels, including BET HER, CMT, LOGO, MTV, MTV2, Nickelodeon (NAN), Paramount, POP, VH1, Comedy Central, and TV Land, ensuring the celebration reaches every corner of the viewing world.

    The nominations have been hotly contested by a stellar group of talent. Cardi B led the pack with six nods, demonstrating incredible momentum, closely followed by musical giants Kendrick Lamar and Mariah the Scientist, both securing five nods each. Adding to the competitive field are Doechii, Doja Cat, Clipse, Teyana Taylor, Olivia Dean, and Latto, who each earned four nominations. These selections were determined by the esteemed BET Voting Academy, a panel of entertainment professionals and influencers across music, media, marketing, and creative arts.

    Beyond the main categories, the show is introducing fresh perspectives with two brand-new awards designed to recognize cultural impact. The Fashion Vanguard Award will honor a global figure whose fashion presence has profoundly shaped style narratives and elevated fashion as powerful storytelling across music, film, sports, and public life.

    Equally important is the Pulse Award, which seeks to celebrate creators, campaigns, or content series that have most powerfully moved Black culture forward in digital spaces by sparking essential conversations, building strong communities, and defining the moment online.

    The evening promises to be packed with recognition for outstanding talent, highlighted by three special awards recognizing enduring influence: Lauryn Hill will receive the inaugural Living Legend Icon Award, Teyana Taylor is set to be named the first recipient of the Icon of the Year Award, and legendary music executive Sylvia Rhone will claim the Ultimate Icon Award.

    The production of this high-energy event is overseen by Connie Orlando, EVP of specials, music programming & music strategy at BET. The show itself is brought to life through Jesse Collins Entertainment, with Jesse Collins, Dionne Harmon, and Jeannae Rouzan-Clay serving as executive producers, ensuring a deeply meaningful and unforgettable night of celebration for the industry.

    Credit: Billboard