BET Awards 2026 is here. See host, performers, how to watch
Taylor Ardrey
A night full of celebrating culture is underway.
Hosted by comedian Druski, the BET Awards will bring together the biggest names in music and fashion, including Grammy-winning rapper Cardi B and recent Golden Globe winner Teyana Taylor.
The host teased that viewers should expect "a little chaos, a lot of laughs, and some of your favorite Druski characters to pop out along the way.”
Here’s what we know about the BET Awards 2026.
How to watch the BET Awards 2026
The awards show, held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, airs live on Sunday, June 28, at 8 p.m. ET.
Fans can tune into the ceremony on BET. It will be simulcast on BET HER, CMT, LOGO, MTV, MTV2, Nickelodeon, Paramount, POP, VH1, Comedy Central and TV Land.
Who is hosting the BET Awards?
Druski has been selected as this year's host, the youngest person to spearhead “Culture’s Biggest Night.” The entertainer gained notoriety on social media in the late 2010s for his sketches mocking everyday scenarios.
He is most known for his ultra-viral audition show, Coulda Been Records.
“As one of the most exciting and influential comedic voices of his generation, Druski brings a unique ability to connect with audiences through humor that feels both fresh and deeply rooted in culture,” Connie Orlando, the executive vice president of specials, music programming and music strategy at BET, said in a statement.
Confirmed performers
- Cardi B
- Common
- Doechii
- Don Toliver
- French Montana and Max B
- Jill Scott
- Kehlani
- kwn
- Queen Latifah
- Rick Ross
- Tems
- T.I.
- The War And Treaty
Nominees
Cardi B reigns with six nominations at the awards show, including best female hip hop artist, album of the year, best collaboration and the fashion vanguard award.
Kendrick Lamar received five nods, including best male hip hop artist and video of the year. The Compton emcee is followed by R&B artist Mariah the Scientist, who also earned five nominations in stacked categories like video of the year and album of the year.
Other top nominees:
- Teyana Taylor
- Olivia Dean
- Doechii
- Latto
- Doja Cat
- Bruno Mars
- SZA
- Clipse
Special honorees
- Living Legend Icon Award: musician Lauryn Hill
- Icon of the Year Award: multi-hyphenate entertainer Teyana Taylor
- Ultimate Icon Award: music executive Sylvia Rhone
Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at [email protected].