TGJ Roundtable: BET Awards 2026 Review

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Over the years, That Grape Juice has established a distinguished voice that – whether loved or loathed – sparks discussion, debate, and on occasion drama!

Though comprised of seasoned writers who share a similar outlook on Urban Pop culture, the idiosyncrasies of the TGJ team members often lead to quite heated debates “behind the scenes” about the hottest topics.

Now, we give you a front-row seat to the show. In a format similar to ‘The View,’ TGJ team – Sam, Rashad, and Nadia – get real in a very candid way.

Today’s roundtable topic asks each anchor to share their thoughts on the…

BET Awards 2026

Sam

The BET Awards were the ultimate reminder why the ceremony is the Culture’s Biggest Night.

Delivering on its promise of potent moments, the 2026 instalment of the show did not disappoint.

The wins came out of the gate. Host Druski proved that he’s as gifted working a live audience as he is in the online space.

From a performance perspective, Cardi B was the clear standout.

Her electrifying ‘Am I The Drama’ medley brought a velocity that reaffirmed why she is head of the class. A reality rubber-stamped by her Best Female Hip-Hop win elsewhere on the broadcast.

And while a part of me would have preferred a slightly more streamlined performance, one centered on ‘Errtime’ for example, I wholly appreciated the enormity of the effort and the slickness of the execution.

International acts Tems and RAYE, both revered on the global stage, showed up and showed out in a way that felt authentically elevating in this space.

Speaking of elevating, Janet Jackson’s impassioned ordination and celebration of Teyana Taylor was such a beautiful moment.

Elsewhere, Kehlani impressed with her performance while Kelly Rowland receiving a standing ovation for simply being Kelly Rowland is the umpteenth reason I love “us” so much.

The Lauryn Hill segment was epic and functioned as a masterclass in how to honor our greats. Together with her children, the likes of Lizzo (especially), Doja Cat, Nas, Tems, and Queen Latifah smashed it. Tanya Blount, from ‘Sister Act,’ opening the tribute was…chef’s kiss.

All in all, the BET Awards 2026 were a blast! Bravo!

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Rashad

Just when you think BET couldn’t find new ways to elevate the show, they reaffirmed why they are highkey the year’s best award show offerer.

And while I wasn’t exactly over-the-moon with Druski‘s skill as the night’s MC, I must say the thematic performances like Baby Keem and Kehlani‘s to the fiery showings of Cardi B and T.I. respectively more than made up for any overall misses of the show.

Admittedly, it was surprising that Yung Miami – the owner of the song of the summer – wasn’t on the bill to showcase ‘Spend Dat‘ (even though the crowd went completely wild when she hit the stage to present an award).

As is the case with BET Awards past, the highlights of the night were easily the tribute performances.

D’Angelo‘s left me wowed, as did the rousing performance ‘I Love the Lord’ from Erica Campbell and Le’Andria Johnson.

I’ll be the first to say I was shocked when they announced Lauryn would be crowned the year’s living honoree, but – after seeing that star-studded tribute lined by the likes of Nas, Queen Latifah, Common, Lizzo, SZA, Doechii, Doja Cat, and more – it was clear why as each artist rendered AMAZING renditions of her biggest hits.

And when Hill hit the stage herself to perform ‘Ex-Factor’ and ‘Everything Is Everything’ she served reminder that she is STILL that girl (one album or not).

My only gripe was the length of Hill’s tribute reduced the possibility of what could and should’ve been a fuller toasts to the lives and careers of Richard Smallwood and Peabo Bryson – especially when Luke James and Durand Bernarr were in attendance and likely would’ve done an amazing job.

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Nadia

What…a…night!

The BET Awards 2026 once again proved why it remains Culture’s Biggest Night, and truth be told, this year’s ceremony felt like one of the strongest, along with last year’s show. From the very beginning, the energy never dipped. RAYE delivered one of the evening’s most captivating performances, reminding audiences exactly why her star continues to rise globally.

Yet, the emotional centrepiece unquestionably came with the breathtaking Ms. Lauryn Hill tribute.

A genuinely powerful celebration of a once-in-a-generation take, with the all-star lineup honouring her legacy. Doechii, Lizzo, Doja Cat all did exceptionally well, and Hill’s children, especially Selah‘s performance, gave me goosebumps.

She was truly honoured in spectacular fashion before the legend herself brought the house to its feet.

Ahead of that came Cardi B, who injected pure adrenaline into the broadcast with a fiery, theatrical set whilst showing off her skills on the pole. It instantly became one of the night’s most talked-about moments.

Altogether, BET struck the perfect balance of nostalgia, star power, and celebration. They really gave what the culture deserves, and I’m looking forward to what they bring next year.

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[photo sources: Getty Images]