Cardi B, Kendrick Lamar, Mariah The Scientist and more lead 2026 BET Awards nominations

Cardi B, Kendrick Lamar and more lead BET Awards Nominations

The 2026 BET Awards are shaping up to be one of the most competitive and culture-driven editions of the show in recent years. With nominations now officially revealed, fans are already debating who deserves to take home the biggest honors in music, entertainment, fashion, and digital culture.

Leading the field is Cardi B, who earned six nominations across major categories. Kendrick Lamar and Mariah The Scientist followed closely behind with five nominations each. Artists including Doechii, Latto, Clipse, and Teyana Taylor also made strong showings with four nominations apiece.

The annual awards ceremony will air live on Saturday, June 28, with comedian and internet personality Druski serving as host. This year’s event also introduces two brand-new categories that reflect how Black culture continues to influence music, fashion, podcasts, and online media.

The nominations list highlights a changing music landscape. Established stars remain dominant, but newer artists are gaining ground fast. The result is a BET Awards lineup that blends mainstream success, internet influence, and critical acclaim.

Cardi B Dominates the 2026 BET Awards Nominations

Cardi B enters the 2026 BET Awards as the most nominated artist of the year. Her latest album, AM I THE DRAMA?, helped secure nominations in top categories including Album of the Year and Best Female Hip Hop Artist.

The rapper’s continued presence at the top of hip hop reflects her staying power in an industry that constantly shifts. Since breaking into mainstream music, Cardi has remained one of the most talked-about names in rap culture. Her music releases, fashion moments, and viral online presence continue to keep her in the spotlight.

Fans also noticed how often Cardi appeared in collaboration categories. BET clearly recognized her impact beyond solo music. Her ability to create chart-friendly collaborations remains one of her biggest strengths.

Her nomination total also signals how much commercial success still matters during awards season. Streaming performance, social engagement, and cultural relevance all appear to have played major roles this year.

Kendrick Lamar and Mariah The Scientist Continue Their Momentum

Kendrick Lamar earned five nominations, further cementing his reputation as one of the most respected artists in modern hip hop. The rapper appeared in categories including Best Male Hip Hop Artist, Video of the Year, and Best Collaboration.

His collaboration with SZA on “luther” became one of the standout nominations in the music video field. Fans praised the track for its production and storytelling, two qualities that continue to define Kendrick’s career.

Meanwhile, Mariah The Scientist continues her rise as one of R&B’s most in-demand artists. She secured five nominations thanks to the success of HEARTS SOLD SEPARATELY and songs like “Burning Blue.”

Her nominations reflect a larger trend happening in R&B right now. Listeners are embracing emotionally driven music again. Artists who focus on storytelling and vulnerability are finding strong audiences across streaming platforms.

Mariah’s growth over the past few years has been especially notable. She has evolved from a promising newcomer into a major awards contender.

Album of the Year Brings a Wide Mix of Sounds

The Album of the Year category may end up being one of the toughest races of the night.

The nominees include:

• Cardi B — AM I THE DRAMA?
• Tyler, The Creator — DON’T TAP THE GLASS
• Wale — everything is a lot.
• Mariah The Scientist — HEARTS SOLD SEPARATELY
• Clipse — Let God Sort Em Out
• Leon Thomas — MUTT Deluxe: HEEL
• J. Cole — The Fall-Off
• Bruno Mars — The Romantic

The category blends rap veterans, melodic R&B stars, and experimental artists. That diversity reflects the broader direction of Black music today.

Tyler, The Creator’s nomination continues his streak as one of music’s most creative forces. J. Cole’s The Fall-Off also generated huge fan attention before release, making his nomination unsurprising.

Leon Thomas may be one of the category’s most interesting additions. His transition from actor to respected musician has steadily gained momentum. BET’s recognition could introduce him to even larger audiences.

Best Female and Male R&B/Pop Artist Categories Are Loaded

The Best Female R&B/Pop Artist category features a strong lineup of established stars and modern hitmakers.

Nominees include Ari Lennox, Coco Jones, Ella Mai, Jill Scott, Kehlani, Mariah The Scientist, Olivia Dean, SZA, and Tems.

The category highlights how diverse modern R&B has become. Some artists lean into classic soul influences while others experiment with alternative production and pop crossover sounds.

SZA and Tems continue to dominate streaming numbers worldwide. Meanwhile, Jill Scott’s nomination reminds audiences of the genre’s long-lasting legends.

On the men’s side, the Best Male R&B/Pop Artist category includes Brent Faiyaz, Bruno Mars, Bryson Tiller, Chris Brown, Durand Bernarr, GIVĒON, Leon Thomas, October London, and Usher.

Usher’s nomination reinforces his continued relevance after decades in the music industry. At the same time, artists like Brent Faiyaz and GIVĒON represent the new wave of emotionally driven R&B.

Leon Thomas appearing in multiple categories also signals his growing industry respect.

Best Male Hip Hop Artist Category Is Stacked

The Best Male Hip Hop Artist category features some of rap’s biggest names.

Nominees include A$AP Rocky, Baby Keem, BigXthaPlug, DaBaby, Don Toliver, Drake, J. Cole, Kendrick Lamar, and T.I.

The category combines mainstream stars with artists who built their success through internet buzz and touring momentum.

BigXthaPlug’s inclusion reflects Southern rap’s continued influence. Baby Keem also continues to carve out his own lane with experimental production and energetic performances.

Meanwhile, Drake, J. Cole, and Kendrick Lamar remain dominant forces despite changing trends in the industry.

Best Female Hip Hop Artist Could Be One of the Night’s Biggest Battles

The Best Female Hip Hop Artist category is packed with major names.

Nominees include Cardi B, Coi Leray, Doechii, Doja Cat, GloRilla, Latto, Megan Thee Stallion, Monaleo, and YK Niece.

The category reflects how women continue to dominate conversations in hip hop. Female rappers consistently deliver chart success, viral moments, and major festival performances.

Doechii’s inclusion stands out in particular. The rapper has built a reputation for creative visuals and fearless performances. Her nomination for “Anxiety” in Video of the Year further proves her growing influence.

Latto also continues to strengthen her place in mainstream rap. Her commercial success and crossover appeal helped her secure multiple nominations this year.

Best Group Highlights Legendary and Emerging Acts

The Best Group category brings together legendary hip hop names and newer collaborations.

Nominees include 41, Clipse, De La Soul, FLO, French Montana & Max B, Metro Boomin & DJ Spinz, Nas & DJ Premier, Terrace Martin & Kenyon Dixon, and Wizkid & Asake.

Clipse earning multiple nominations this year has excited longtime hip hop fans. The duo’s return has generated strong reactions online.

Meanwhile, groups like FLO and Wizkid & Asake represent the global growth of Black music across different audiences and regions.

Fashion Vanguard Award Expands BET’s Cultural Reach

One of the biggest additions this year is the Fashion Vanguard Award.

The category recognizes celebrities whose style influences culture beyond music and film. Nominees include Beyoncé, Rihanna, Zendaya, Cardi B, Doechii, Teyana Taylor, A$AP Rocky, Colman Domingo, and Bad Bunny.

The move makes sense for BET. Fashion and music have become deeply connected. Viral outfits now generate as much discussion online as albums and performances.

Artists today often build brands around visual identity. Social media has made fashion a core part of celebrity culture. Red carpet appearances, luxury campaigns, and streetwear partnerships now shape celebrity status as much as music releases do.

Pulse Award Recognizes Internet Influence

The newly introduced Pulse Award may become one of the ceremony’s most talked-about categories.

According to BET, the award honors internet content that pushes Black culture forward. Nominees include The 85 South Show, Baby, This Is Keke Palmer, Charlamagne Tha God, Druski, Don Lemon, It Is What It Is, Joe & Jada, On The Radar, and the R&B Money podcast.

The category reflects how media consumption continues to evolve. Podcasts, livestreams, and online interviews now shape music conversations every single day.

Fans increasingly discover artists through viral clips rather than traditional radio or television. Platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and podcast networks have changed how entertainment spreads globally.

BET’s decision to honor digital creators shows the network understands where modern audiences spend their time.

Video of the Year Features Cinematic Visuals

Music videos remain a huge part of artist branding, and this year’s nominees prove visuals still matter.

The Video of the Year nominees include:

• Ella Mai — “100”
• Doechii — “Anxiety”
• Mariah The Scientist — “Burning Blue”
• Tyla — “Chanel”
• Teyana Taylor — “Escape Room (Short Film)”
• Kehlani — “Folded”
• T.I. — “Let ‘Em Know”
• Kendrick Lamar & SZA — “luther”

Teyana Taylor’s nomination stands out because of her cinematic approach to visuals. Her projects often blur the line between music videos and short films.

Doechii’s “Anxiety” also became a fan favorite because of its chaotic creative direction and bold imagery.

Best Collaboration and Viewers’ Choice Add More Star Power

The Best Collaboration category includes several major records from the past year.

Nominees include:

• Clipse & Kendrick Lamar — “Chains & Whips”
• Cardi B feat. Jeezy & Latto — “Errtime Remix”
• Summer Walker feat. Latto & Doja Cat — “Go Girl”
• Baby Keem feat. Kendrick Lamar & Momo Boyd — “Good Flirts”
• Mariah The Scientist & Kali Uchis — “Is It A Crime”
• Chris Brown feat. Bryson Tiller & Usher — “It Depends (The Remix)”
• Metro Boomin feat. Quavo, Breskii, YK Niece & DJ Spinz — “Take Me Thru Dere”
• Gunna feat. Burna Boy — “wgft”

The Viewers’ Choice category also remains one of the most competitive fan-voted races each year. Songs from Cardi B, Tyla, Kehlani, Bruno Mars, and Clipse are all competing for fan support.

Best New Artist Spotlights Future Stars

The Best New Artist category could introduce mainstream audiences to future stars.

Nominees include Belly Gang Kushington, DESTIN CONRAD, JayDon, kwn, Miles Minnick, Monaleo, Olivia Dean, RAYE, and Trap Dickey.

RAYE’s nomination arrives after years of industry persistence. The British singer-songwriter has gained international attention through emotionally raw music and major live performances.

Olivia Dean’s soulful sound has also earned strong support from listeners searching for more classic R&B influences.

BET Awards history shows that this category often predicts future breakout stars. Previous winners have gone on to become chart-topping artists and award show regulars.

Why the BET Awards Continue to Matter

The BET Awards still hold a unique place in entertainment culture.

Unlike many mainstream award shows, BET has consistently centered Black artists, creators, actors, and innovators. The event celebrates not only commercial success but also cultural influence.

Over the years, the ceremony has delivered unforgettable performances, emotional speeches, and viral moments that shaped music history.

The addition of categories like the Fashion Vanguard Award and Pulse Award proves the show is evolving alongside modern culture.

That evolution matters because younger audiences consume entertainment differently than previous generations. BET appears focused on staying connected to those changes instead of relying only on traditional formats.

As anticipation builds toward the June 28 broadcast, debates over snubs, favorites, and surprise winners will continue dominating social media conversations.

One thing is already clear. The 2026 BET Awards nominations reflect an entertainment industry where music, fashion, podcasts, and internet culture are more connected than ever before.

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