The 2026 BET Awards just got even bigger. Organizers have unveiled the first wave of performers for this year’s ceremony, bringing together some of the most influential names in hip-hop, R&B, soul, and contemporary music ahead of the June 28 broadcast from Los Angeles.
Set to take the stage at the Peacock Theater are Kehlani, Don Toliver, Doechii, Cardi B, Tems, Jill Scott, T.I., kwn, Common, Queen Latifah, French Montana alongside Max B, Rick Ross, and The War and Treaty.
The lineup arrives as anticipation continues to build around one of Black entertainment’s biggest annual celebrations. This year’s ceremony returns to its traditional late-June slot after recent scheduling shifts and will be hosted by comedian and internet personality Druski, who becomes the youngest host in BET Awards history.
Leading the nominations is Cardi B with six nods. Her album Am I The Drama? earned a coveted Album of the Year nomination, while “Outside” landed in the Viewers’ Choice category and “Errtime Remix” secured a Best Collaboration mention. Close behind are Kendrick Lamar and Mariah the Scientist with five nominations each.
The 2026 edition also introduces two new categories. The Fashion Vanguard Award recognizes artists shaping culture through style, with nominees including Beyoncé, Rihanna, Zendaya, Bad Bunny, Cardi B and Doechii. Meanwhile, The Pulse Award expands the ceremony’s focus to include podcasting and digital media creators.
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