2026 BET Awards Early Winners: Kehlani, Teyana Taylor Highlighted

The BET Awards 2026 brought the heat to Los Angeles this past Sunday, delivering a jam-packed show filled with epic performances by a lineup ranging from Kehlani and Don Toliver to Cardi B and Baby Keem.

Teyana Taylor and Clipse emerged as the night’s big winners, each snagging three awards, setting the record for the evening. Kendrick Lamar got his ninth win for best male hip-hop artist, winning alongside Clipse for their track “Chains & Whips.” Other notable victories went to Olivia Dean, crowned best new artist; Cardi B, who took home best female hip-hop artist; Leon Thomas, claiming best male R&B/pop artist; and Kehlani, scoring wins for best female R&B/pop artist and video of the year for her hit “Folded.”

During the show, the focus was less on the awards themselves and more on the entertainment, with only five awards presented on-air. Comedian Druski hosted the event masterfully, bringing his comedic flair to the stage throughout the night, with skits and spontaneous appearances. Druski set a light-hearted tone for the evening, starting off by transforming the Peacock Theater into a megachurch with his pastor persona, sharing laughs and gags with the star-studded audience, including Tyler Perry, Stevie Wonder, and Max B.

Overall, the BET Awards served up a spectacular night of celebration and talent, blending exciting performances with well-deserved honors for some of the music industry’s brightest stars.