LOS ANGELES (AP) — Druski will make history as the youngest host of the BET Awards, scheduled for Sunday at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles at 8 p.m. EDT. This event highlights the achievements of notable artists, with honors going to Lauryn Hill and Teyana Taylor, as well as performances from high-profile stars such as Cardi B, Doechii, and Queen Latifah.
Druski, 31, surpasses Kevin Hart, who previously held the title of the youngest BET Awards host when he emceed in 2011. The comedian and digital creator is expected to bring his unique improvisational style and internet comedy to the prestigious event. Druski remarked on his excitement, stating, “I grew up watching the BET Awards. To know the comedic legends that hosted before me set the bar so high, I’m just grateful to be a part of the history, but I’m still bringing my brand of comedy to the stage.”
Cardi B leads the nominations this year with six nods, followed closely by Kendrick Lamar and Mariah the Scientist, who have five nominations each. Other prominent nominees include Doechii, Doja Cat, Clipse, Teyana Taylor, Olivia Dean, and Latto, each receiving four nominations. The album of the year category features works from top artists, including Cardi B’s “Am I the Drama?” and J. Cole’s “The Fall-Off,” among others.
In the song of the year category, several chart-topping hits are vying for recognition, including Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s “Luther” and Leon Thomas’ “Mutt.” Other notable contenders are Doechii’s “Denial Is a River” and Mariah the Scientist’s “Burning Blue.”
The first wave of confirmed performers for the ceremony includes big names such as Cardi B, Common, Doechii, Don Toliver, French Montana, Jill Scott, Kehlani, Queen Latifah, Rick Ross, Tems, T.I., and The War And Treaty. Additionally, renowned hip-hop pioneer MC Lyte will return as the show’s announcer.
Lauryn Hill is set to receive the Living Legend Icon Award, which honors pioneers whose work has profoundly impacted culture over the years. Hill, originally known for her role in the Fugees, released the groundbreaking album “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill,” regarded as one of the most influential in hip-hop and R&B history. BET lauded her as “the very definition of a living legend.”
Teyana Taylor will receive the Icon of the Year Award, acknowledging her contributions as a creative force shaping contemporary culture. Taylor has transitioned from a multiplatinum recording artist into a successful actor, director, producer, and choreographer, showcasing her multifaceted talent.
In addition to the performance and nomination highlights, music executive Sylvia Rhone will be honored with the Ultimate Icon Award for her influential leadership and lasting impact on the music industry. Rhone made history as the first Black woman to lead a major record company within a Fortune 500 corporation, developing successful artists such as Missy Elliott, Lil Wayne, and Erykah Badu over her illustrious career.
The BET Awards will also feature other notable categories such as the Pulse Award for creator and content series and the Fashion Vanguard Award, which recognizes cultural impact in fashion. This year’s ceremony promises to celebrate the substantial contributions of artists and industry leaders, making it a highly anticipated event in the entertainment calendar.
