Janet Jackson Presents Teyana Taylor With Icon of the Year Award at BET Awards 2026

The 2026 BET Awards saw a memorable moment on Sunday, June 28, when Janet Jackson stepped up to present one of the night's most prestigious honors.

The 60-year-old icon delivered remarks celebrating Teyana Taylor, who received the Icon of the Year award. Jackson spoke about watching Taylor's career trajectory over the years, noting how she has defied expectations and maintained an unwavering work ethic while rewriting industry standards.

"You possess an unflinching perfectionism, a devotion woven into everything you touch," Jackson said during her presentation. "Your focus and vision summon into being what most would call impossible. You carry a calling from above, and the world is made more luminous with the art that you have given it."

Jackson also highlighted Taylor's recent professional achievements, including a Grammy nomination for her album Escape Room and multiple nominations for her performance in the Oscar-winning film One Battle After Another. She noted that Taylor earned a Golden Globe for best supporting actress while simultaneously raising her two daughters, calling that parental role "your greatest accomplishment."

Taylor's acceptance speech was filled with emotion and gratitude. She expressed her shock and excitement that Jackson had presented the award, saying she hadn't been told about the surprise appearance.

"I love you so much. Thank you for always seeing me," Taylor told Jackson. "You are my biggest inspiration."

Reflecting on her two decades in the industry, Taylor spoke about accepting the honor with gratitude rather than arrogance, emphasizing the various roles she's taken on as an artist, actress, director, choreographer, creative director, stylist, designer, writer, producer, and chef.

Taylor stressed her philosophy of collaborative success rather than competitive achievement. "I've never believed that my success had to cause someone else's theirs," she explained. "If I know something, I should teach it. If I open the door, I should hold it. If I have a platform, I should make room for another voice."

She concluded her remarks by thanking her parents and her daughters, Junie and Rue, calling them her greatest masterpiece and expressing hope that they would remember her simply as home.