BET Awards 2026: Kehlani, Leon Thomas Win Early

The BET Awards 2026 ceremony commenced on Sunday evening at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, with initial awards recognizing artists in R&B and pop categories. Kehlani secured the award for Best Female R&B/Pop Artist, while Leon Thomas was honored as Best Male R&B/Pop Artist. The event is scheduled to continue with further award presentations throughout the evening.

Additional honorees were recognized in early segments of the broadcast. Teyana Taylor is slated to receive the Icon Award, with Janet Jackson presenting the accolade. The BET Awards celebrate achievements in music, acting, sports, and philanthropy within Black culture. This year's ceremony features performances from various artists, adding to the live entertainment aspect of the event.

The nominations for the 2026 BET Awards spanned multiple genres and categories, reflecting a diverse range of talent. Key categories include Best Female Hip Hop Artist, Best Male Hip Hop Artist, Album of the Year, and Video of the Year. The selection process involves a voting academy comprising music industry professionals, influencers, and cultural tastemakers.

Past BET Awards ceremonies have highlighted significant cultural moments and provided platforms for emerging artists. The 2026 edition continues this tradition, aiming to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions of Black artists and entertainers across various fields. The full list of winners will be updated as the ceremony progresses.