The BET Awards in Los Angeles were defined by a powerful emotional high point as US actress, singer and filmmaker Teyana Taylor emerged as one of the night’s biggest winners, culminating in a tearful onstage moment after receiving the Icon of the Year award from Janet Jackson.
Taylor, 35, was visibly overwhelmed as she was introduced by Jackson, a lifelong inspiration, marking one of the most talked-about scenes of the ceremony.
Surprise Janet Jackson Appearance Sparks Emotional Reaction
The atmosphere shifted dramatically when Janet Jackson unexpectedly appeared on stage to present Taylor with the Icon of the Year honour.
Clearly caught off guard, Taylor broke down in tears as she approached the stage, later exclaiming in disbelief, “Oh my God… I’m gagging, they did not tell me Janet was coming.”
The moment quickly became one of the standout highlights of the night, capturing the deep admiration Taylor holds for the music legend.
A Career Built From Teenage Breakthrough to Hollywood Success
Taylor’s win at the BET Awards added to a landmark year in her career, which has seen her transition from music and choreography into major film success.
She first gained attention at just 15 years old after choreographing a Beyoncé music video, before building a reputation as a multi-disciplinary creative force across music, fashion and film.
Her recent Hollywood breakthrough in the Oscar-winning film One Battle After Another has firmly established her as a rising force in acting.
Awards Sweep Reflects Industry Recognition
In addition to the Icon of the Year honour, Taylor secured several other major awards during the ceremony, including Best Actress, Video Director of the Year and Fashion Vanguard.
The multi-hyphenate star has also received widespread industry recognition this year, including a Golden Globe win and an Academy Award nomination for her acting performance, alongside a Grammy nomination for her album Escape Room.
Accepting her awards, Taylor reflected on her two-decade journey in the entertainment industry, telling the audience, “I worked my ass off for 20 years for this.”
Gratitude and Reflection in Acceptance Speech
During her emotional speech, Taylor emphasised gratitude over pride, pausing mid-speech to wipe condensation from her glasses as she gathered her thoughts.
She described her approach to success as one grounded in humility, saying she was “not accepting what I’ve earned with arrogance, but with gratitude.”
Taylor also highlighted her ongoing dedication to multiple creative fields, revealing she recently completed culinary training at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts while continuing to work across film, music and design.
Clipse and Olivia Dean Among Other Big Winners
Elsewhere at the ceremony, hip-hop duo Clipse enjoyed a successful night, taking home three awards including Album of the Year, Best Group and Best Collaboration for their track Chains & Whips featuring Kendrick Lamar.
British singer Olivia Dean was named Best New Artist after a breakthrough year that cemented her status as an emerging global talent.
Lauryn Hill Honoured With Living Legend Award
A major highlight of the night came when Lauryn Hill received the inaugural Living Legend Icon Award, followed by a surprise performance after a tribute segment featuring artists including Nas, SZA, Doechii, Lizzo, Doja Cat, Common and Queen Latifah.
Hill, who rose to fame with The Fugees before releasing her acclaimed 1998 solo album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, used her speech to reflect on the importance of creativity and individuality.
She urged artists to value their personal gifts, saying that every talent—whether in music, fashion, communication or care—holds significance and purpose for others.
