Full Breakdown
Sylvia Rhone to Receive BET Awards' Ultimate Icon Honor
6/12/2026, 10:10:48 PM
Ultimate Icon Award Announcement
The BET Awards will honor music executive Sylvia Rhone with the Ultimate Icon award on Sunday, June 28, 2026, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. Hosted by Druski, the ceremony will air live on BET at 8 p.m. ET/PT. BET describes the award as recognizing “trailblazers whose work has transcended their field, figures whose names have become synonymous with excellence.”
Career Highlights
Rhone began as an assistant at Buddah Records before moving through Atlantic, Elektra, Motown and Universal Motown. At 42, she became the first woman—and the first Black woman—to serve as CEO of a major label when she was appointed chairman and CEO of Warner’s Elektra imprint. She later led Motown, then joined Epic Records as president in 2014 and became chairwoman and CEO in 2019. She stepped down in September 2025 after a five-decade career spanning vinyl to streaming, helping develop artists such as Stevie Wonder, Missy Elliott, Busta Rhymes, Erykah Badu and Lil Wayne.
Official Statements
BET’s press release frames the Ultimate Icon award as honoring individuals whose work “has transcended their field.” Connie Orlando, BET’s vice president and head of programming, said Rhone expanded and redefined leadership for women. In a 2025 memo, Rhone wrote that women were “rarely if ever in line for C-level or even vice-presidential roles” and expressed pride in achievements and mentorship of leaders.
Impact and Significance
Rhone’s ascent as the first Black woman to lead a major label marked a watershed for diversity in music leadership. Her push for inclusive talent-promotion practices has expanded representation of women and people of color in artist rosters and executive suites. The Ultimate Icon award underscores her role in shaping hip-hop’s global reach and creating pathways for under-represented executives, reinforcing cultural shifts toward equity in entertainment.
Quotes
- “Sylvia Rhone’s influence extends far beyond the music business and into the culture itself.” — Connie Orlando, EVP & Head of Programming, BET
- “She championed artists and executives, shattered ceilings that had never been broken, and redefined what leadership looks… in every boardroom that followed.” — Connie Orlando, BET
- “I have worked in our industry since vinyl ruled, and women were rarely if ever in line for C-level or even vice-presidential roles.” — Sylvia Rhone, memo, 2025
- “The Ultimate Icon Award honors the trailblazers whose work has transcended their field, figures whose names have become synonymous with excellence.” — BET press release
Future Outlook
The BET Awards will be live on June 28, with Druski as host. In addition to Rhone’s Ultimate Icon honor, Lauryn Hill will receive the Living Legend Icon Award and Teyana Taylor will be named Icon of the Year. Additional performers and honorees will be announced weeks before the ceremony.
