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Druski Hosts BET Awards 2026; Kendrick, Cardi B Triumph

6/29/2026

Summary

BET Awards Highlights

The United States held the 2026 BET Awards in Los Angeles, with comedian Druski hosting.
Teyana Taylor and Clipse earned three awards while Kendrick Lamar won best male hip-hop artist and “Chains & Whips” collaboration award.
Cardi B won female hip-hop artist while Olivia Dean was best new artist.
Leon Thomas won best male R&B/pop artist while Kehlani won female R&B/pop artist and video of the year for “Folded.”

Summary

**BET Awards Innovates**

The ceremony added a Video Director of the Year category and awarded Teyana Taylor for “Escape Room.”
Nominees featured pairings such as Clipse with Kendrick Lamar on “Chains & Whips” and Doechii with SZA on “girl, get up.”
“Jazzy’s World TV” won, marking the event’s first television-focused award.
Several tracks highlighted female leads, including Summer Walker with Latto and Doja Cat and Olivia Dean’s solo “Man I Need,” underscoring collaborative production.

History

Historical Context

The BET Awards, created by Black Entertainment Television in 2001, debuted on June 19 at the Paris Las Vegas resort with Steve Harvey and Cedric the Entertainer hosting. After moving to Los Angeles venues such as the Kodak Theatre and Peacock Theater, the ceremony returned in 2026, hosted by comedian Druski.

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BET Awards Highlights

The United States held the 2026 BET Awards in Los Angeles, with comedian Druski hosting.
Teyana Taylor and Clipse earned three awards while Kendrick Lamar won best male hip-hop artist and “Chains & Whips” collaboration award.
Cardi B won female hip-hop artist while Olivia Dean was best new artist.
Leon Thomas won best male R&B/pop artist while Kehlani won female R&B/pop artist and video of the year for “Folded.”

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