Janet Jackson Brings Teyana Taylor to Tears at BET Awards 2026

Jun 29, 2026 - 07:15

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Janet Jackson Brings Teyana Taylor to Tears at BET Awards 2026

See Jamie Foxx, Daughter Anelise's Duet During Kehlani's 2026 BET Awards Performance

Teyana Taylor needs one tissue after another.

As the One Battle After Another actress prepared to accept the inaugural Icon of the Year award at the 2026 BET Awards—hosted by Druski at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles June 28—she was brought to tears when learning that Janet Jackson made a surprise appearance to present the trophy.

Indeed, as the five-time Grammy winner strode onto the stage, Teyana jumped up in shock while tears streamed down her face before the pair held hands before Janet’s introduction.

“What a year it's been for you,” Janet began. “It seems like only yesterday our rose from Harlem grew out of the concrete and blossomed into our Icon of the Year. I’ve enjoyed watching you defy expectations, rewrite the rules, and lead with an unstoppable work ethic.”

And as the Oscar nominee audibly sobbed from the crowd, the 60-year-old reminded Teyana that she’s “a testament to the greatest superhero the world will ever know: The Black woman.”

“You possess an unflinching perfectionism, a devotion woven into everything you touch,” Janet added. “You carry a calling from above, and the world is made more luminous with the art that you have given it.”

After taking the stage to accept the award, the audience erupted into laughter as Teyana confessed she was “gagging” at the surprise appearance.

Johnny Nunez/Getty Images for BET

“They did not tell me Janet was coming,” she said before turning to face her friend. “I love you so much. Thank you, thank you, thank you for always seeing me. Thank you for every text, every hug, every talk. You are my biggest inspiration.”

Of course, Teyana—who also won the BET Awards for Fashion Vanguard, Video Director of the Year and Best Actress—also thanked her family and team, but emphasized the love she has for her daughters Junie, 10, and Rue, 5.

Paras Griffin/Getty Images for BET

“If one day people remember me as an icon,” she told them from stage, “I pray the two of you always remember me simply as home. Mommy loves you so, so much.”

To see who else attended the 2026 BET Awards, keep reading…

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Queen Latifah

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Janet Jackson

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Teyana Taylor

Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images for BET

Jamie Foxx

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Kehlani

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