BET Awards continues to nail performances after 25 years. Whereas different award reveals typically really feel like a collection of acceptance speeches damaged up by musical numbers, BET has at all times understood that the stage is the principle occasion. The performances change into memes, group chat matters, and cultural moments that folks revisit lengthy after the trophies have been handed out. Take a look at our favourite performances from the 2026 BET Awards inside.
This 12 months’s ceremony was one thing particular. From emotional tributes to arena-worthy manufacturing, the 2026 BET Awards reminded viewers why tradition’s largest night time nonetheless delivers among the 12 months’s most unforgettable stay tv moments. Whereas Billboard ranked the night time’s performances and BET highlighted its defining moments, what stood out most was how each nice efficiency balanced nostalgia with what followers can stay up for sooner or later.
Listed below are the performances that had us glued to the display screen.
2026 BET Awards Greatest Performances
The Lauryn Hill tribute was larger than music.
It takes a particular artist to deliver generations of performers collectively on one stage. Seeing SZA, Doechii, Nas, Tems, Lizzo, Queen Latifah, Frequent, Rapsody, Tierra Whack and extra rejoice Ms. Lauryn Hill felt much less like a tribute and extra like a passing of the torch. When Hill lastly appeared to carry out “Ex-Issue” and “All the pieces Is All the pieces,” it grew to become a kind of signature BET moments folks will reference for years.
Cardi B reminded everybody she is constructed for stay tv.
Cardi reworked the Peacock Theater into her personal live performance with bikes, dancers, elaborate staging and sufficient perspective to fill the constructing. Her medley proved that character will be simply as necessary as choreography, and he or she as soon as once more confirmed why she stays one among rap’s most entertaining performers.
The D’Angelo tribute was all about musicianship.
As an alternative of attempting to mimic the legendary singer, Ari Lennox, Durand Bernarr, BJ The Chicago Child, RAYE and George Clinton celebrated his affect by making the music breathe. Backed by The Vanguard, the tribute felt like a soulful jam session that honored each the artist and the group he impressed.
Tems proved that simplicity nonetheless wins.
No elaborate props had been needed. Tems walked onstage along with her band and let her unmistakable voice do all of the heavy lifting. In an period the place performances typically depend on spectacle, her restraint grew to become the efficiency’s biggest energy.
Kehlani delivered one other vocal masterclass.
Each stay rendition of “Folded” someway will get stronger, and the BET Awards model continued that streak. Supported by stay instrumentation and launched by Jamie Foxx, Kehlani reminded everybody that powerhouse vocals by no means exit of fashion.
RAYE had a breakout BET Awards second.
Already revered throughout the Atlantic, RAYE formally introduced herself to a good bigger viewers with a wide ranging efficiency that showcased her vocal vary and stage presence. It felt like the start of a a lot larger relationship between the singer and American audiences.
At its greatest, the BET Awards creates moments that change into a part of Black leisure historical past. Judging by this 12 months’s performances, that custom continues to be alive and nicely.
