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The 2026 BET Awards are shaping up to be one of the biggest nights in music and culture.
BET announced that Cardi B, Doechii, and Queen Latifah will headline the first wave of performers, with MC Lyte returning as announcer. Other stars set to hit the stage include Common, Don Toliver, French Montana & Max B, Jill Scott, Kehlani, Rick Ross, Tems, T.I., The War and Treaty, and kwn.
The show will air live from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday, June 28 at 8 p.m. ET, simulcast across multiple networks including BET, MTV, VH1, Comedy Central, and TV Land.
BET's EVP Connie Orlando said in a statement: "BET Awards has always been a celebration of the artists, visionaries, and cultural moments that shape our community and move culture forward. This year's show brings together an extraordinary mix of legends, superstars, and emerging talent whose influence continues to resonate across generations. From powerful performances to historic tributes, we're creating the kind of unforgettable moments that define the BET Awards."
Special honors will also be presented: Ms. Lauryn Hill will receive the inaugural Living Legend Icon Award. Teyana Taylor will be honored with the Icon of the Year Award. Sylvia Rhone, legendary music executive, will receive the Ultimate Icon Award.
Cardi B leads the nominations with six nods, including Album of the Year and Best Female Hip-Hop Artist. Kendrick Lamar and Mariah the Scientist follow with five each, while Doechii, Doja Cat, Clipse, Teyana Taylor, Olivia Dean, and Latto earned four apiece.
