African artistes also made a strong impact across major categories, underscoring the continued global rise of Afrobeats and R&B crossover sounds.

Cardi B, Kendrick Lamar and Mariah the Scientist are the top nominees for the 2026 BET Awards, which take place in June.

Kendrick Lamar and Mariah the Scientist each earned five nods, with Doechii, Doja Cat, Clipse, Teyana Taylor, Olivia Dean and Latto scoring four apiece.