Teyana Taylor Celebrated as Icon of the Year at BET Awards

WHO:

Deadline - Teyana Taylor was honored with the Icon of the Year Award.

Deadline - The award was presented by Janet Jackson.

Billboard - Teyana Taylor is a multi-hyphenate artist.

WHAT:

Newsweek - Teyana Taylor received the Icon of the Year award from Janet Jackson, whom she described as her "biggest inspiration."

US Magazine - Teyana Taylor expressed during her acceptance speech, “Greatness is measured by how many people stand beside you,” emphasizing the importance of community support in her journey.

BBC News - Teyana Taylor had an emotional reaction to receiving the Icon of the Year award, which included tears during the presentation by Janet Jackson.

Billboard - Teyana Taylor stated, “I will wear this title loud & proud” during her acceptance speech for the Icon of the Year award.

Deadline - Teyana Taylor expressed her gratitude during her speech, stating, “Greatness is measured by how many people stand beside you.”

US Magazine - Teyana Taylor stated during her acceptance speech, “Tonight they handed me a title and that title is Icon of the Year and for a little minute I wondered if I was supposed to feel uncomfortable saying that.”

Deadline - Teyana Taylor delivered an emotional speech at the BET Awards.

Billboard - Teyana Taylor took home an additional three awards at the BET Awards.

Variety - The BET Awards 2026 featured early winners including Kehlani and Leon Thomas.

WHERE:

Deadline - The BET Awards featured performances from major artists including Janet Jackson, Queen Latifah, Lizzo, and T.I.

US Magazine - The 2026 BET Awards featured performances from major artists including Janet Jackson, Queen Latifah, Lizzo, and T.I.

Deadline - The BET Awards took place at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.

WHEN:

Billboard - The BET Awards occurred on June 28, 2026.

HOW:

Deadline - Teyana Taylor expressed her surprise and gratitude during her acceptance speech.

(UPDATED June 30, 2026 01:37 UTC)

Teyana Taylor has been honored with the Icon of the Year award, presented to her by none other than Janet Jackson, who Taylor calls her "biggest inspiration." The award ceremony took place at 11:00 UTC, marking a significant moment in Taylor's career. This recognition highlights the impact of both artists in the music industry and their influence on fans around the world.

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(UPDATED June 29, 2026 16:16 UTC)

At the BET Awards, Teyana Taylor highlighted the significance of community support in her acceptance speech, stating, “Greatness is measured by how many people stand beside you.” The event showcased performances from major artists, including Janet Jackson, Queen Latifah, Lizzo, and T.I. This celebration of talent and unity resonated deeply with the audience, reinforcing the power of collaboration in the music industry.

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(UPDATED June 29, 2026 14:17 UTC)

Teyana Taylor had an emotional moment while accepting the Icon of the Year award, shedding tears during the presentation by Janet Jackson. In her heartfelt acceptance speech, Taylor declared, “I will wear this title loud & proud.” The award ceremony highlighted her significant impact on the music industry.

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(UPDATED June 29, 2026 12:24 UTC)

At the 2026 BET Awards, Teyana Taylor expressed her gratitude during her speech, saying, “Greatness is measured by how many people stand beside you.” The event showcased performances from major artists, including Janet Jackson, Queen Latifah, Lizzo, and T.I. This celebration of music and culture brought together some of the biggest names in the industry.

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(UPDATED June 29, 2026 10:19 UTC)

Teyana Taylor recently accepted the title of Icon of the Year and shared her thoughts during her acceptance speech. She expressed a moment of uncertainty, saying, “Tonight they handed me a title and that title is Icon of the Year and for a little minute I wondered if I was supposed to feel uncomfortable saying that.” Taylor's candid reflection highlights the significance of the honor in her career.

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(UPDATED June 29, 2026 04:18 UTC)

Teyana Taylor was honored with the prestigious Icon of the Year Award at the BET Awards, where she delivered an emotional acceptance speech expressing her surprise and gratitude. The award was presented by none other than Janet Jackson, and Taylor also took home an impressive three additional awards during the ceremony held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. The event celebrated early winners, including Kehlani and Leon Thomas, showcasing the incredible talent within the industry.