Teyana Taylor stood on stage at the 2026 BET Awards, grappling with the weight of the title "Icon of the Year." She openly questioned whether she should feel uncomfortable claiming such a loaded label.
“Tonight they handed me a title and that title is Icon of the Year and for a little minute I wondered if I was supposed to feel uncomfortable saying that title out loud,” Taylor stated after receiving the award from Janet Jackson during the ceremony.
“But nah, I worked my ass off 20 years for this,” she declared. “So I’m not accepting what I have earned with arrogance. I am accepting what I have earned with gratitude.”
In her speech, she highlighted her multifaceted career, stating, “In this year alone I continued to give the world the artist, actress, director, choreographer, creative director, stylist, designer, writer, producer and chef — I graduated September ya’ll.”
Taylor emphasized her commitment to uplifting others while pursuing her own dreams. “Most of my career has been spent building my own dream while helping somebody else build theirs because I believe there is room for all of us to win,” she said.
She pointed out the cutthroat nature of the entertainment industry. “This business can be very wicked. This business is wicked, you know? It teaches us to compete. But I never believed that my success had to cost someone else’s.”
Her philosophy centers on sharing knowledge and opportunities. “If I know something, I should teach it. If I open a door, I should hold it. If I have a platform, I should make room for another voice,” she asserted.
Taylor believes true greatness is measured by how many people stand beside you rather than beneath you. “That’s the only legacy I care about, so tonight I will wear this title loud and proud because I promise I will continue to earn it,” she proclaimed.
In addition to the Icon award, Taylor took home three more accolades that night, including Video Director of the Year and Fashion Vanguard.
She expressed gratitude to her family, particularly her parents and her two children, Iman “Junie” Tayla Shumpert Jr. and Rue Rose Shumpert. “To my mom and dad, you know it’s up for you any time,” she said.
“Oh my god, thank you for teaching me that greatness isn’t something you just talk about; it’s something that you live. And I love you so much.”
She addressed her children directly: “And to my greatest masterpiece, my babies, Junie and Rue. If one day people remember me as an Icon I pray the two of you always remember me simply as home.”
Taylor concluded her heartfelt speech by thanking everyone who has contributed to her journey. “It truly takes a village and I’m beyond blessed by the one God has given me,” she said.
