LOS ANGELES—Final preparations were underway in Los Angeles on Sunday ahead of the 2026 BET Awards, with organizers confirming a lineup of performers, presenters and special honorees for the annual ceremony celebrating achievements across music, television, film and sports.
The awards show is scheduled to air live from the Peacock Theater on Sunday evening, hosted by comedian and digital creator Druski. According to BET, the ceremony will feature performances by artists including Cardi B, Common, Doechii, Don Toliver, Kehlani, Queen Latifah, Rick Ross, Tems, T.I., The War and Treaty, Nas, Ari Lennox, Baby Keem, RAYE, George Clinton, Rapsody and several others.
The BET Awards, now in their 26th year, are among the entertainment industry's major annual events recognizing Black artists, entertainers and athletes. The ceremony regularly combines award presentations with live performances and tribute segments, drawing participants from across the music, film and television industries. This year's event also introduces additional recognition for cultural achievement through special honors announced by BET.
BET said comedian Druski, whose full name is Drew Desbordes, will serve as host. The network announced that MC Lyte will return as the show's announcer. Presenters are expected to include Keke Palmer, Kelly Rowland, Chlöe Bailey, Nia Long, Latto, Jaafar Jackson and several other actors, musicians and television personalities.
Among the evening's special recognitions, BET said Lauryn Hill will receive the Living Legend Icon Award, Teyana Taylor will be honored with the Icon of the Year Award and music executive Sylvia Rhone will receive the Ultimate Icon Award. According to BET, the honors recognize their contributions to music, entertainment and culture.
Cardi B enters the ceremony with six nominations, the most of any artist this year, according to BET. Kendrick Lamar and Mariah the Scientist follow with five nominations each. Nominees also include Doja Cat, Clipse, Olivia Dean and Latto in multiple categories.
In announcing this year's ceremony, Druski said, "I'm honored to host the BET Awards and make history as the youngest host ever. We're going to have a lot of fun and celebrate the culture the right way." The statement was released by BET when the network announced his selection as host.
As of Sunday, organizers continued preparations for the live broadcast from the Peacock Theater, with the ceremony scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. Eastern Time. BET has not announced any additional changes to the confirmed lineup or program.
