The 2026 BET Awards are set to bring together some of the biggest names in music, television, film and sports as the annual celebration of Black excellence returns to the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on June 28.
This year’s ceremony is hosted by comedian and internet personality Drusky, becoming the youngest host in BET Awards history. The show features a packed house of performers, special honorees and celebrity presenters.
The event will air live on BET at 8 PM ET/PT and will be simulcast on multiple Paramount-owned networks.
Also read: What happened to Paul Avery? ‘All My Children’ star and wife die in devastating house fire
youngest host
Drusky, 31, succeeds Kevin Hart, who was the youngest host when he hosted the BET Awards in 2011.
Drewsky said, “I grew up watching the BET Awards. Knowing the comedy legends who hosted before me and set such a high bar, I’m grateful to be a part of history. But I’m still bringing my own brand of comedy to the stage.”
Through his viral sketches, he became one of the fastest rising stars in entertainment. He later performed sell-out comedy tours, collaborated with artists such as Drake and Snoop Dogg, and performed with celebrities such as Tom Brady and Timothée Chalamet.
How to watch BET Awards 2026
The BET Awards 2026 will air live from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday, June 28 at 8PM ET/PT.
The event will be available on BET, BET Her, MTV, MTV2, Comedy Central, Paramount Network, CMT, Nickelodeon, Logo, POP and TV Land.
The show will be streamed by Paramount+ for those of us who don’t have cable; You don’t even need their Live TV option to watch it. Additionally, the program will be streamed on BET’s website and app.
Also Read: Courteney Cox and Johnny McDaid breakup: What went wrong between them? Friend shares details
Full List of Artists for BET Awards 2026
The artist lineup includes Cardi B, Douche, Doja Cat, Common, Don Toliver, Kehlani, Queen Latifah, Rick Ross, Thames, T.I., Nas, Ray, Ari Lennox, Baby Keem and BJ the Chicago Kid.
Hip-hop pioneer MC Lyte also returns as the show’s announcer.
Some other performers for the awards ceremony are French Montana, Max B, Jill Scott, George Clinton, Rapsody, Durand Berner, Erica Campbell, Alexia Jay, Le’Andrea Johnson, Kenny Echo, KWN and Lizzo.
Who has been nominated?
Cardi B enters as the most nominated artist with six nominations. Kendrick Lamar and Scientist Mariah are tied for second place with five nominations each. The ceremony also honors several influential celebrities, including Lauryn Hill, Teyana Taylor and music executive Sylvia Rhone.
Lauryn Hill receives the inaugural Living Legend Icon Award. Teyana Taylor is being honored with the Icon of the Year Award, while Sylvia Rhone received the Ultimate Icon Award.
Cardi B’s “Am I Drama?” Is in the running for best album of the year.
According to the Houston Chronicle, several of the year’s biggest singles, such as “Luther” by Kendrick Lamar and SZA, “Mutt” by Leon Thomas, “Daniel Is a River” by Douche, and “Burning Blue” by Mariah the Scientist, are also competing for song of the year.