Teyana Taylor Sobs as Janet Jackson Presents Her BET 2026 Icon Award
The Hollywood Reporter • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Teyana Taylor was emotionally overwhelmed as Janet Jackson surprised her by presenting the Icon of the Year Award at the 2026 BET Awards, a secret kept even from Taylor herself.
- In her acceptance speech, Taylor expressed deep gratitude to Jackson, calling her her “biggest inspiration,” and reflected on her 20-year career, emphasizing her commitment to lifting others in the industry.
- Taylor highlighted her multifaceted talents as an artist, actress, director, choreographer, stylist, designer, writer, producer, and chef, noting her recent graduation from culinary school and her philosophy of collaboration over competition.
- Janet Jackson praised Taylor’s relentless work ethic, perfectionism, and artistic vision, acknowledging her Grammy and Golden Globe nominations, as well as her role as a mother of two.
- The 2026 BET Awards, held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, also honored Taylor with the Fashion Vanguard Award and recognized her acclaimed performance in the Oscar-winning film One Battle After Another.
