Teyana Taylor continues to cement her status as one of the entertainment’s most versatile talents. The singer, actress, and director earned recognition across multiple categories at the BET Awards, topping off an unforgettable evening when she received the Icon of the Year Award from one of her biggest inspirations, Janet Jackson.
At the BET Awards on June 28, multihyphenate Teyana Taylor received one of the night’s biggest honors, the Icon of the Year Award. Although the announcement was made weeks in advance, the actress was unaware that Janet Jackson would be presenting the special honorary award.
Taylor was in tears as Jackson spoke about her decades-long career achievements. “You possess an unflinching perfectionism, a devotion woven into everything you touch. Your focus and vision summon into being what most would call impossible,” said Jackson, emphasizing what Taylor has achieved while raising two children. “A testament to the greatest superhero the world will ever know, the Black woman,” Jackson continued.
Taylor was still wiping tears as she accepted the honor. “Oh my god, b-tch. I’m gagging… They did not tell me Janet was coming, b-tch. It is so crazy,” she said, jumping up and down on the stage.
The Singer Accepted The Award ‘With Gratitude’
In early June, BET revealed Taylor would be the recipient of the Icon of the Year Award, stating the recognition “belongs to the creative force whose work, presence, and vision are setting the tone right now.”
During her acceptance speech, Teyana said she initially felt “uncomfortable” with the title, but later embraced the honor. “I worked my a-s off 20 years for this. So I’m not accepting what I’ve earned with arrogance, I’m accepting what I’ve earned with gratitude,” she said.
The singer then reflected on her career, explaining that she focused on fulfilling her dreams while helping others build theirs. “I believe there’s room for all of us to win, even if that means pouring from my own cup into someone else’s, so they can overflow,” Taylor shared.
She told the audience how proud she was of the honor, promising she would “continue to earn it.”
Teyana Taylor Acknowledged Her Parents And Children
Taylor expressed gratitude to her parents for teaching her the “value of greatness.” She also acknowledged her “greatest masterpiece,” her two daughters, 10-year-old Junie and 5-year-old Rue, whom she shares with her ex-husband, Iman Shumpert.
“If one day people remember me as an icon. I pray the two of you always remember me simply as home. Mommy loves you so, so much,” Taylor said, addressing her children.
Taylor is incredibly close to her children, often bringing them to red carpets and high-profile events throughout the years. She also has a close bond with her mother, Nikki Taylor, who raised her as a single mother and serves as her manager.
The Acclaimed Actress Took Home The Most Wins
Apart from taking home the Icon of the Year Award, Taylor also earned competitive wins, making her the most-awarded artist of the night.
Taylor won Best Actress for her portrayal of Perfidia Beverly Hills in the action thriller “One Battle After Another,” a performance that also earned her a Golden Globe in January.
Additionally, she took home Video Director of the Year for the short film/visual album “Escape Room,” which she helmed under the pseudonym Spike Tey.
The 2026 BET Awards also introduced a new category this year, the Fashion Vanguard Award, to honor the figure whose style has made a cultural impact. Among those nominated are A$AP Rocky, Bad Bunny, Beyoncé, Cardi B, Colman Domingo, Doechii, Rihanna, and Zendaya, with Taylor taking home the honor.
Teyana Taylor Adds Another Skill To Her Arsenal
Few entertainers have worn as many hats as Taylor. She first made her mark in entertainment as a recording artist before branching into acting, where she delivered acclaimed performances in both film and TV.
Beyond performing, Taylor has become an accomplished producer, director, choreographer, and creative director. Her willingness to explore different creative disciplines establishes her as one of the most versatile artists.
In 2025, Taylor delved into a new specialty, sharing that she started training to become a chef. In Variety’s “Actors on Actors” series, she told Oscar Isaac that cooking keeps her grounded amid her busy life. “It’s actually the thing that gives me a few, to just be quiet and cook,” she said.
During her speech at the BET Awards, she revealed that she will graduate from culinary school in September, adding yet another accomplishment to her already impressive resume.
