BET Awards 2026
The multidisciplinary artist delivered an emotional speech after Janet Jackson presented her with the honor
Teyana Taylor was presented with the BET Awards 2026 Icon of the Year award by the one and only Janet Jackson. After taking in Jackson’s surprise appearance and sobbing over Jackson’s uplifting words, Taylor accepted the award in shock.
“Oh, my God. Bitch, I’m gagging,” the multidisciplinary artist said while accepting the honor. “They did not tell me Janet was coming, bitch, and it’s so crazy because when Kehlani said, ‘Janet is here,’ I said, ‘Bitch, is that the surprise?’ I wasn’t sure!”
After thanking Jackson for “every text, every hug, every text” as an inspiration and friend, Taylor delivered her speech. “Tonight, they handed me a title, and that title is Icon of the Year. And for a little minute, I wondered if I was supposed to feel uncomfortable saying that title out loud,” she said. “But nah, I worked my ass off 20 years for this.
