Cardi B to Perform at 2026 BET Awards Amid Expanded Nominations and New Categories

Cardi B has been confirmed to perform at the 2026 BET Awards, which will take place on June 28, 2026, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, according to a statement shared by the network. With six nominations, she leads the list of contenders, as reported by BET. The event will also feature performances from Doechii, Queen Latifah, Common, Don Toliver, French Montana, and Max B., along with Jill Scott, Kehlani, Rick Ross, Tems, T.I., and the War and Treaty.

Expanded Lineup and New Awards Categories

The 2026 BET Awards will introduce two new categories to recognize cultural impact: the Fashion Vanguard Award, honoring style influencers like A$AP Rocky, Beyoncé, and Zendaya, and the Pulse Award, which celebrates digital creators driving conversations online. These additions reflect the network’s focus on evolving trends in music and media, as stated by Connie Orlando, EVP of Specials, Music Programming, and Music Strategy at BET. “This year’s show brings together an extraordinary mix of legends, superstars, and emerging talent,” Orlando said in a statement.

Kendrick Lamar and Mariah the Scientist Among Top Nominees

Kendrick Lamar and Mariah the Scientist each secured five nominations, while Doechii, Doja Cat, Clipse, and Teyana Taylor received four nods. The film categories will highlight performances by Denzel Washington, Michael B. Jordan, and Angela Bassett. The awards ceremony will be hosted by Druski, who called the opportunity “an honor” and noted he is the youngest host in BET Awards history.

Host Druski’s Vision for the Show

Druski, known for his comedic style, told *Billboard* he aims to “bring my brand of comedy to the stage” with “a little chaos and a lot of laughs.” The live broadcast will air at 8 p.m. ET on BET, as previously announced