BET Awards 2026: Kehlani, Teyana Taylor Among Early Winners (UPDATING LIVE)

The 2026 BET Awards are currently unfolding live from the Peacock Theater in downtown Los Angeles, with the first batch of winners already announced. Kehlani secured the award for Best Female R&B/Pop Artist, while Leon Thomas took home the title of Best Male R&B/Pop Artist. The Peacock Theater, which can accommodate 7,100 attendees, has been a cornerstone of Los Angeles’ entertainment landscape since its opening in 2015, having previously served as the host venue for both the Emmy Awards and the Grammy Awards. Its state-of-the-art design and central location make it a preferred choice for high-profile ceremonies.

One of the standout moments of the evening occurred when music legend Janet Jackson presented Teyana Taylor with the Icon of the Year Award, honoring her multifaceted career as a singer, director, choreographer, and actress. Jackson further revealed that Taylor had also won accolades for Video Director of the Year, the Fashion Vanguard Award, and Best Actress. Entertainment analyst Dr. Marcus Reed commented on the significance of Taylor’s sweep, noting that "it signals a shift in how the industry values artists who master multiple creative domains, rather than focusing solely on chart performance." This trend aligns with broader cultural shifts toward recognizing polymaths in entertainment. The ceremony featured a diverse lineup of performances, including T.I. kicking off the show with "Top Back" and "Let 'Em Know," followed by Kehlani’s duet with Jamie Foxx on "Folded," Don Toliver delivering "E85" and "Body," and Raye captivating the audience with an emotional rendition of "Nightingale Lane."

A dynamic list of nominees and winners, updated in real time as the night progresses, spans a wide array of categories. For Album of the Year, contenders include Cardi B’s "AM I THE DRAMA?", Tyler, the Creator’s "DON'T TAP THE GLASS," and J. Cole’s "The Fall-Off." The Best Female R&B/Pop Artist category saw nominees like Ari Lennox, Coco Jones, SZA, and Tems, but Kehlani ultimately claimed the prize. In the Best Male R&B/Pop Artist race, Brent Faiyaz, Bruno Mars, Chris Brown, and Usher were all in the running, yet Leon Thomas emerged victorious. The Best Female Hip Hop Artist category featured a competitive field including Cardi B, Doechii, Doja Cat, GloRilla, Latto, and Megan Thee Stallion, though the winner has yet to be announced as voting remains open.

Additional categories underscore the awards’ comprehensive scope. The Best Collaboration category includes tracks like "Chains & Whips" by Clipse and Kendrick Lamar, "Go Girl" by Summer Walker featuring Latto and Doja Cat, and "Is It a Crime" by Mariah the Scientist and Kali Uchis. In the Best New Artist category, nominees range from RAYE and Olivia Dean to Monaleo and Trap Dickey, reflecting a mix of established newcomers and rising talents. The Viewers’ Choice award features popular songs such as "Burning Blue" by Mariah the Scientist, "Folded" by Kehlani, and "Outside" by Cardi B. Teyana "Spike-Tey" Taylor claimed the Video Director of the Year award, while the Fashion Vanguard Award also recognized her influence on style and culture. The Pulse Award nominees included 85 South Show, Baby, This Is Keke Palmer, and Charlamagne Tha God, highlighting achievements in digital and social media.

In other categories, the Best Movie nominees include "Highest 2 Lowest," "Sinners," and "Wicked: For Good," while Best Actress saw Teyana Taylor win against formidable competitors like Angela Bassett, Coco Jones, and Cynthia Erivo. The Best Actor category features Aaron Pierre, Colman Domingo, and Denzel Washington among others, showcasing a diverse range of performances. The YoungStars Award includes North West and Heiress Harris as nominees, recognizing the next generation of talent. For sports, the Sportswoman of the Year Award nominees include A'ja Wilson, Coco Gauff, and Sha'Carri Richardson, while the Sportsman of the Year Award features LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Jalen Hurts. The full list continues to be updated as the evening progresses, with more winners expected to be announced during the live broadcast.