BET Awards 2026: Teyana Taylor Cries as Janet Jackson Surprises Her With Award Presentation

Teyana Taylor was named Icon of the Year at the 2026 BET Awards on June 29. She knew she was receiving the honor ahead of the show, but what she was unaware of was the fact that Janet Jackson would be showing up to present it to her.

As Jackson made her way to the stage for her surprise appearance, Taylor was in tears. The waterworks only amplified as Jackson paid a touching tribute to the star of the night.

“Teyana Taylor, what a year it’s been for you,” she began. “It seems like only yesterday a rose from Harlem grew out of the concrete and blossomed into our Icon of the Year. I’ve enjoyed watching you, as you know, over the years. Watching you defy expectations, rewrite the rules, and lead with an unstoppable work ethic. Your gifts are from God. They’re God-given, and as long as you remain close to God, your light will forever shine bright.”

WHAT A MOMENT! 🥹 The one-and-only Janet Jackson presented Teyana Taylor with the Icon of the Year Award at the #BETAwards. pic.twitter.com/OYnqw5v1Gx

— BET (@BET) June 29, 2026

She continued, “You possess an unflinching perfectionism, a devotion into everything you touch. Your focus and vision summon into being what most would call impossible. You carry a calming from above and the world is made more luminous with the art that you have given it. This year, it belongs to you.”

Jackson then went on to list some of Taylor’s recent accomplishments. “A Grammy nomination for your latest album, a host of nominations for your layered performance in the Oscar-winning film One Battle After Another,” she said. “You stood toe-to-toe with some major heavyweights and thespians in our industry and you picked up a coveted Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress. All of that while raising two beautiful girls, your greatest accomplishment, and a testament to the greatest superhero the world will ever know: the Black woman.”

After a package played highlighting Taylor’s major year, Jackson concluded, “You keep stretching what greatness means and what it can look like, not only for young Black girls, but for everyone walking the path behind you. Before you come up here, I don’t know if you know this, but I wanted to share this with you. You’ve also won three additional awards: Fashion Vanguard, Video Director of the Year, and Best Actress.”

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When Taylor finally took the stage, she confirmed to the audience that she had no idea her hero was coming to the show. She thanked Jackson profusely and let her know how much she’s been inspired by her before launching into her acceptance speech.

Below, we rounded up the other winners at the show. Scroll down for more.

Album of the Year: Clipse, Let God Sort ‘Em Out
Video of the Year: “Folded,” Kehlani
Viewer’s Choice Award: “Burning Blue” – Mariah the Scientist
Best Collaboration: “Chains and Whips” – Clipse featuring Kendrick Lamar
Best Male R&B/Pop Artist: Leon Thomas
Best Female R&B/Pop Artist: Kehlani
Best Female Hip-Hop Artist: Cardi B
Best Male Hip-Hop Artist: Kendrick Lamar
Best New Artist: Olivia Dean
Best Group: Clipse
BET Her Award: “Girl, Get Up” – Doechii featuring SZA
Best Gospel/Inspirational Award: “Headphones” – Lecrae, Killer Mike & T.I.
Video Director of the Year: Teyana Taylor
Best Movie: Sinners Best Actor: Michael B. Jordan
Best Actress: Teyana Taylor
Sportswoman of the Year: A’ja Wilson
Sporstman of the Year: Jalen Brunson
Ultimate Icon Award: Sylvia Rhone
Icon of the Year: Teyana Taylor
YoungStars Award: Jazzy’s World
Living Legend Icon Award: Lauryn Hill
Fashion Vanguard Award: Teyana Taylor
Pulse Award: Druski