Culture's Biggest Night is six days away - and if you haven't locked in your plans yet, here's everything you need.
When and Where
The 2026 BET Awards air live Sunday, June 28 at 8 PM ET/PT from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.
The show will be simulcast across the full Paramount ecosystem, including BET HER, MTV, VH1, CMT, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon (Nick@Nite), Paramount, POP, MTV2, LOGO, and TV Land.
Streaming viewers can also watch on BET+ and BET.com with a TV provider login.
The Host
Comedian and content creator Druski will make his debut as host - becoming the youngest person ever to hold the title, eclipsing Kevin Hart, who previously held the distinction in 2011.
Readers familiar with the Kirk Franklin-Druski story from earlier this month, Franklin's public endorsement of the comedian's hosting gig ahead of the show makes this one to watch.
The Performers
The full confirmed performer lineup includes Cardi B, Doechii, Kehlani, Tems, T.I., French Montana and Max B, Jill Scott, Don Toliver, Queen Latifah, Rick Ross, The War and Treaty, and Common.
Gospel and Christian music fans will want to note that The War and Treaty - the husband-and-wife duo known for their soul-drenched sound rooted in faith and freedom - are among the confirmed performers.
The Honorees
Three major honors are being awarded this year: Ms. Lauryn Hill receives the inaugural Living Legend Icon Award, Teyana Taylor the Icon of the Year Award, and music executive Sylvia Rhone the Ultimate Icon Award.
Hill's recognition is historic - BET created the Living Legend category specifically for her legacy.
The Gospel and Faith Storylines to Watch
The Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award nominees include Kirk Franklin, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, CeCe Winans, BeBe Winans, Lecrae, Darrel Walls, and Kim Burrell - a category stacked with generational voices.
Miles Minnick remains in the Best New Artist race - still the first Christian rapper ever nominated in that mainstream category.
And Lecrae's "Headphones" is in contention for the gospel award, carrying a story behind the song that makes the nomination matter even more.
Sunday, June 28. 8 PM ET. Don't miss it.
