Teyana Taylor Declines Hollywood’s Recognition at 2026 BET Awards

Teyana Taylor’s Icon of the Year Award Speech

On Sunday, June 28, in Los Angeles’ Peacock Theatre, singer-songwriter Teyana Taylor was honored with the Icon of the Year Award.

After Janet Jackson presented her with the award, Taylor applauded her for not rushing to give it. She emphasized the importance of supporting one another in Hollywood’s competitive industry.

“I’m accepting what I’ve earned with gratitude,” she said, adding that she helped others build their dreams while building her own. “That’s pretty damn iconic, if you ask me.”

Taylor, who has been working for twenty years, stated that she believes greatness isn’t measured by how many people stand beneath us but by how many people stand beside us.

She explained that if she knows something, she should teach it; if she opens a door, she should hold it; and if she has a platform, she should make room for another voice. “Because I believe greatness isn’t measured by how many people stand beneath you, it’s measured by how many people stand beside you because you’re willing to reach back,” Taylor concluded.