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.
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Credit: Billboard
