Leading the pack is Cardi B, who enters the night as the most-nominated artist with six nominations. The rap superstar is also scheduled to perform, adding further excitement to an event that has long celebrated Black excellence across music, film, television and sports.
Joining Cardi B on stage are several of the year's most acclaimed artists, including Doechii, who earned four nominations, along with Jill Scott, Kehlani, Tems and T.I., each receiving three nominations.
Comedian and internet personality Druski will host the ceremony, while hip-hop trailblazer MC Lyte returns as the show's announcer. Meanwhile, music and entertainment icon Queen Latifah, who previously hosted the awards in 2010, will be among the evening's featured performers.
The show will also spotlight a diverse range of talent spanning multiple genres. Country-soul duo The War and Treaty, known for earning multiple nominations from both the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music, will perform alongside Oscar-winning rapper and actor Common. Common won the Academy Award for Best Original Song for co-writing the inspirational anthem "Glory" from the film Selma.
Another notable appearance will come from Jaafar Jackson, who portrayed his legendary uncle Michael Jackson in the blockbuster biopic Michael. Jackson is among the stars scheduled to present awards and participate in the ceremony.
Three Trailblazing Women to Receive Special Honors
This year's ceremony will also celebrate the achievements of three influential women whose contributions have left a lasting mark on music and culture.
Hip-hop and R&B pioneer Ms. Lauryn Hill will receive the inaugural Living Legend Icon Award, recognizing her groundbreaking impact on music and generations of artists who followed.
Singer, songwriter, actress and creative visionary Teyana Taylor will be honored with the first-ever Icon of the Year Award following a remarkable year that included nominations for both Grammy and Academy Awards recognition.
Meanwhile, legendary music executive Sylvia Rhone will receive the Ultimate Icon Award for her decades of leadership and influence in shaping the careers of some of the industry's biggest stars.
Full List of BET Awards 2026 Performers
- Alexia Jayy
- Ari Lennox
- Baby Keem
- BJ the Chicago Kid
- Cardi B
- Common
- Doechii
- Don Toliver
- Durand Bernarr
- Erica Campbell
- French Montana
- George Clinton
- Kehlani
- Kenny Iko
- KWN
- Le’Andria Johnson
- Max B
- Nas
- Queen Latifah
- Rapsody
- RAYE
- Rick Ross
- Tems
- T.I.
- The War and Treaty
Presenters and Participants
The ceremony will feature appearances from a mix of actors, comedians, musicians and television personalities, including Carl Anthony Payne II, Chlöe Bailey, Deon Cole, Jaafar Jackson, Keke Palmer, Kelly Rowland, Latto, Nia Long and several others.
With major performances, special tributes and some of the biggest names in entertainment under one roof, the 2026 BET Awards is poised to deliver a celebration worthy of its reputation as "Culture's Biggest Night."