Blab News
Druski Becomes Youngest BET Awards Host as Lauryn Hill, Teyana Taylor, and Sylvia Rhone Receive Iconic Honors
On Sunday, June 28 2026, the BET Awards will take place live from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. The 31‑year‑old comedian and digital creator Druski will serve as the ceremony’s host, making history as the youngest person to emcee the event. He will surpass Kevin Hart, who held the record when he hosted in 2011.
The awards will air at 8 p.m. EDT and will feature a lineup of performers and presenters that reflects the breadth of Black culture. Cardi B, Common, Doechii, Don Toliver, French Montana, Jill Scott, Kehlani, Queen Latifah, Rick Ross, Tems, T.I., and the duo The War And Treaty are slated to perform. Hip‑hop pioneer MC Lyte will return as the show’s announcer.
Nomination counts for the night are led by Cardi B, who has six nominations. Kendrick Lamar and Mariah the Scientist each have five nods, while Doechii, Doja Cat, Clipse, Teyana Taylor, Olivia Dean, and Latto have four nominations apiece. The album‑of‑the‑year field includes Cardi B’s "Am I the Drama?", Clipse’s "Let God Sort Em Out", J. Cole’s "The Fall‑Off", Leon Thomas’ "Mutt Deluxe: Heel", Mariah the Scientist’s "Hearts Sold Separately", Tyler, the Creator’s "Don’t Tap the Glass", Bruno Mars’ "The Romantic", and Wale’s "everything is a lot". Song‑of‑the‑year contenders feature Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s "Luther", Leon Thomas’ "Mutt", Doechii’s "Denial Is a River", and Mariah the Scientist’s "Burning Blue".
Special honors will recognize figures who have shaped music and culture over decades. Lauryn Hill will receive the Living Legend Icon Award, a tribute to artists whose work has remained culturally essential across generations. Hill, who first rose to prominence as a member of the Fugees and later released the landmark solo album "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill", is widely regarded as a pioneer of rap‑singing and neo‑soul.
Teyana Taylor will be presented with the Icon of the Year Award, acknowledging her influence as a recording artist, actor, director, producer, and choreographer. The award highlights her evolution from a multi‑platinum performer to a creative force in film and television.
Music executive Sylvia Rhone will receive the Ultimate Icon Award for her groundbreaking leadership and lasting impact on the industry. Rhone made history as the first Black woman to head a major record company owned by a Fortune 500 corporation and has helped develop artists such as Missy Elliott, Lil Wayne, Tracy Chapman, Brandy, Erykah Badu, Kid Cudi, Future, Travis Scott, and Giveon.
Druski, whose real name is Drew Desbordes, has built a reputation through viral sketch comedy and collaborations with artists including Drake and Snoop Dogg. He has also appeared alongside Tom Brady and Timothée Chalamet in various projects. In a statement to the press, Druski said, "I grew up watching the BET Awards. To know the comedic legends that hosted before me set the bar so high, I’m just grateful to be a part of the history. But I’m still bringing my brand of comedy to the stage." According to the AP, he will bring an improvisational style and internet‑born humor to the ceremony.
The 2026 BET Awards will also feature new categories such as the Pulse Award for creator and content series and the Fashion Vanguard Award for cultural impact in fashion. The event is part of BET’s "Culture’s Biggest Week" and is expected to draw a broad audience across music, film, television, and sports.
As the ceremony approaches, BET has confirmed that the awards will be broadcast live on BET and will include a mix of televised performances, award presentations, and special tribute segments. The event is scheduled to conclude with the presentation of the Living Legend, Icon of the Year, and Ultimate Icon awards.
The ceremony’s final outcome will be announced during the live broadcast, and the results will be available on BET’s streaming platform and social media channels. Viewers can expect a celebration of Black excellence that highlights both established legends and emerging talent.
The awards will air at 8 p.m. EDT and will feature a lineup of performers and presenters that reflects the breadth of Black culture. Cardi B, Common, Doechii, Don Toliver, French Montana, Jill Scott, Kehlani, Queen Latifah, Rick Ross, Tems, T.I., and the duo The War And Treaty are slated to perform. Hip‑hop pioneer MC Lyte will return as the show’s announcer.
Nomination counts for the night are led by Cardi B, who has six nominations. Kendrick Lamar and Mariah the Scientist each have five nods, while Doechii, Doja Cat, Clipse, Teyana Taylor, Olivia Dean, and Latto have four nominations apiece. The album‑of‑the‑year field includes Cardi B’s "Am I the Drama?", Clipse’s "Let God Sort Em Out", J. Cole’s "The Fall‑Off", Leon Thomas’ "Mutt Deluxe: Heel", Mariah the Scientist’s "Hearts Sold Separately", Tyler, the Creator’s "Don’t Tap the Glass", Bruno Mars’ "The Romantic", and Wale’s "everything is a lot". Song‑of‑the‑year contenders feature Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s "Luther", Leon Thomas’ "Mutt", Doechii’s "Denial Is a River", and Mariah the Scientist’s "Burning Blue".
Special honors will recognize figures who have shaped music and culture over decades. Lauryn Hill will receive the Living Legend Icon Award, a tribute to artists whose work has remained culturally essential across generations. Hill, who first rose to prominence as a member of the Fugees and later released the landmark solo album "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill", is widely regarded as a pioneer of rap‑singing and neo‑soul.
Teyana Taylor will be presented with the Icon of the Year Award, acknowledging her influence as a recording artist, actor, director, producer, and choreographer. The award highlights her evolution from a multi‑platinum performer to a creative force in film and television.
Music executive Sylvia Rhone will receive the Ultimate Icon Award for her groundbreaking leadership and lasting impact on the industry. Rhone made history as the first Black woman to head a major record company owned by a Fortune 500 corporation and has helped develop artists such as Missy Elliott, Lil Wayne, Tracy Chapman, Brandy, Erykah Badu, Kid Cudi, Future, Travis Scott, and Giveon.
Druski, whose real name is Drew Desbordes, has built a reputation through viral sketch comedy and collaborations with artists including Drake and Snoop Dogg. He has also appeared alongside Tom Brady and Timothée Chalamet in various projects. In a statement to the press, Druski said, "I grew up watching the BET Awards. To know the comedic legends that hosted before me set the bar so high, I’m just grateful to be a part of the history. But I’m still bringing my brand of comedy to the stage." According to the AP, he will bring an improvisational style and internet‑born humor to the ceremony.
The 2026 BET Awards will also feature new categories such as the Pulse Award for creator and content series and the Fashion Vanguard Award for cultural impact in fashion. The event is part of BET’s "Culture’s Biggest Week" and is expected to draw a broad audience across music, film, television, and sports.
As the ceremony approaches, BET has confirmed that the awards will be broadcast live on BET and will include a mix of televised performances, award presentations, and special tribute segments. The event is scheduled to conclude with the presentation of the Living Legend, Icon of the Year, and Ultimate Icon awards.
The ceremony’s final outcome will be announced during the live broadcast, and the results will be available on BET’s streaming platform and social media channels. Viewers can expect a celebration of Black excellence that highlights both established legends and emerging talent.
