Lauryn Hill surprised the BET Awards audience with an impromptu performance of her 1998 classic ‘Ex-Factor’ after accepting the Living Legend Icon Award at the 2026 ceremony, according to AP Entertainment. The award recognizes pioneers whose work has remained culturally essential across generations.

Legendary Career Celebrated by SZA, Doechii, and More

Hill was introduced by Ice Cube, who highlighted her eight-time Grammy-winning career. The tribute featured performances from SZA, Doechii, Lizzo, Queen Latifah, Common, and her children Selah Marley and Zion Marley. They revisited songs from Hill’s catalog while she stood smiling, singing along, and applauding throughout the tribute.

After accepting the honor, Hill encouraged artists to embrace their gifts and remain true to their purpose. ‘I fight for y’all,’ she said. ‘And fighting for y’all is me fighting for myself, it’s me fighting for my children, it’s me fighting for my community.’

Janet Jackson Surprises Teyana Taylor with Icon of the Year Award

Teyana Taylor was emotionally overwhelmed when Janet Jackson appeared on stage to present her with the Icon of the Year Award. Taylor, visibly stunned as Jackson received a standing ovation, embraced the music legend before thanking one of her biggest inspirations.

‘They did not tell me Janet was coming,’ Taylor said through tears. ‘There will be no me without you.’ Jackson praised Taylor’s relentless work ethic and artistic range, highlighting her Golden Globe win for best supporting actress in ‘One Battle After Another’ and calling her gifts ‘God-given.’

Accepting the honor, Taylor reflected on her two-decade career. ‘I worked my (expletives) off 20 years,’ she said. ‘So I’m not accepting what I’ve earned with arrogance. I’m accepting what I’ve earned with gratitude.’

Druski Makes History as Youngest BET Awards Host

Druski made history by becoming the youngest host of the BET Awards at 31, surpassing Kevin Hart, who previously held the distinction. He opened the show with a dramatic entrance, descending from the rafters in a tap as a choir performed Kirk Franklin’s ‘Revolution.’

The show’s opening performances featured Kehlani, who sang ‘Folded’ with Jamie Foxx and his daughter, Anelise Estelle Foxx, on guitar. Don Toliver also performed his hits ‘E85’ and ‘Body.’ Accepting the award for best female R&B/pop artist, Kehlani admitted she hadn’t prepared a speech, instead marveling that ‘Janet Jackson is here,’ before telling the icon she was ‘really honored to be here’ among the night’s talent.

Throughout the night, Druski leaned into his comedic persona with appearances alongside Martin Lawrence and Latto. Lawrence jokingly shut down Druski’s pitch to appear in the next ‘Bad Boys’ film before teasing his upcoming Paramount+ series, while Latto playfully poked fun at the host during one of the show’s transitions. Druski also spoofed Jay-Z’s Roots Picnic freestyle.

Druski became one of entertainment’s fastest-rising stars through his viral sketches before expanding into sold-out comedy tours and collaborations with artists including Drake and Snoop Dogg, as well as appearances alongside figures like Tom Brady and Timothée Chalamet.