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AWARD-WINNING COMEDIAN, ENTERTAINER & CULTURAL SENSATION DRUSKI SET TO HOST "BET AWARDS" 2026
Culture's Biggest Night to Air Live June 28, 2026, at 8 PM ET/PT on BET
NEW YORK - April 30, 2026 - BET today announced that award-winning comedian, entertainer, and cultural sensation Druski will host "BET Awards" 2026, airing live on BET from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday, June 28 at 8 PM ET/PT. With the selection, Druski becomes the youngest-ever host of the BET Awards, eclipsing Kevin Hart, who previously held the distinction in 2011.
One of the entertainment industry's most-followed comedic voices, Druski has become a household name through his innovative skits, magnetic charisma, and effortless ability to connect with audiences across generations.
Druski has redefined comedy for the modern digital era, building a massive following through viral sketches, sold-out tours, and collaborations spanning Drake and Snoop Dogg to Kevin Hart, Tom Brady, and Timothée Chalamet. Named to Forbes' Under 30 List, Rolling Stone's Most Influential Creator List, and The Hollywood Reporter's Creator A-List, and more, Druski made history in December 2025 as the first comedian to cover Billboard Magazine's No. 1's issue.
"It's an honor to be the youngest host EVER for the BET Awards," Druski said. "I grew up watching the BET Awards and, 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, so expect a little chaos, a lot of laughs, and some of your favorite Druski characters to pop out along the way."
For 25 years, the "BET Awards" has been one of the most powerful cultural platforms in entertainment, honoring the artists, creators, and leaders shaping culture in real time. Built on the pillars of community, culture, and connection, it has delivered iconic performances, unforgettable tributes, and moments that continue to resonate far beyond the stage. The show reflects the creativity, influence, and reach of Black culture across music, television, film, sports, fashion, and more.
"As one of the most exciting and influential comedic voices of his generation, Druski brings a unique ability to connect with audiences through humor that feels both fresh and deeply rooted in culture," said Connie Orlando, EVP, Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy at BET. "As we prepare for this year's BET Awards, we're thrilled to have him bring his signature energy and perspective to the stage, helping set the tone for a night that celebrates the achievements and cultural impact of our community."
"Druski represents the kind of bold, culture-driving talent that continues to shape the future of entertainment. His voice resonates across platforms, blending comedy and authentic connection in a way that aligns perfectly with our vision for BET. Partnering with Druski as host reflects our commitment to elevating the new generation of comedians who are redefining how audiences engage with content today," said Louis Carr, President, BET.
Connie Orlando, EVP of Specials, Music Programming and Music Strategy, serves as Executive Producer for "BET Awards" 2026. Jesse Collins Entertainment is the production company for the show, with Jesse Collins, Dionne Harmon, and Jeannae Rouzan-Clay also serving as Executive Producers.
"BET Awards" 2026 will air live on Sunday, June 28, at 8 PM ET/PT on BET and be simulcast on BET HER, CMT, LOGO, MTV, MTV2, Nickelodeon (NAN), Paramount, POP, VH1, Comedy Central, and TV Land. Additional announcements, including nominees and performers, will be revealed in the coming weeks. Culture's Biggest Week returns with BET Experience 2026 (BETX), three days of immersive, fan-focused events, June 25-27, ahead of "BET Awards" 2026.
ABOUT BET MEDIA GROUP
The BET Media Group, a unit of Paramount, a Skydance Corporation (Nasdaq: PSKY), is the world's largest media company rooted in community, culture, and connection for the Black community. For over four decades, BET has served as a trusted home for Black audiences, amplifying authentic stories, elevating Black voices, and creating spaces where culture thrives and community comes together.
Through a powerful portfolio of brands - including BET, BET Her, BET Studios, and VH1 - along with FAST channels such as BET Tyler Perry Comedy, BET Tyler Perry Drama, BET Comedy Movies, BET Cinema, BET Classics, BET Visionaries, BET Throwbacks, and BET Pluto, BET connects audiences across cable, digital, live events, studios, and global platforms. Together, these platforms deliver culturally resonant content that reflects the depth, creativity, and impact of the Black experience.
For more information, visit www.bet.com and follow @BET on social platforms. For additional announcements, visit paramountpressexpress.com/bet/.
ABOUT BET AWARDS
"BET Awards" is one of the most-watched award shows on cable television, according to the Nielsen Company. The "BET Awards" franchise remains the #1 program in cable TV history among African-Americans, and it is the #1 telecast for BET every year. It recognizes the triumphs and successes of artists, entertainers, and athletes in a variety of categories.
ABOUT BET EXPERIENCE
BET Experience is the destination for elevating unapologetic Blackness with authentic entertainment, access, and lifestyle experiences. Through the lens of millennial and Gen Z audiences, BET Experience curates the culture, standing at the intersection of who this coveted segment is and where they're headed.
ABOUT JESSE COLLINS ENTERTAINMENT
Founded in 2012, Jesse Collins Entertainment (JCE) is a full-service Emmy winning production company that has played an integral role in producing many of television's most memorable moments in music entertainment. JCE's award-winning and critically acclaimed television includes programming from its four divisions - specials, sports, scripted and unscripted. From the specials division: award shows - The Emmy Awards, iHeart Radio Music Awards, The 2021 and 2022 American Music Awards, The 2022 Golden Globes, BET Awards, Soul Train Awards, BET Hip Hop Awards, Black Girls Rock!, BET Honors, UNCF's An Evening of Stars and ABFF Honors; specials - Jimmy Fallon's Holiday Seasoning Spectacular, Christmas in Rockefeller Center, The Light We Carry: Michelle Obama & Oprah Winfrey (Primetime Emmy Award nominee), Grace For The World: Live from St. Peters Square, A GRAMMY Salute to 50 Years of Hip Hop, Lil Rel Howery: I said it. Y'all thinking it., CNN's Juneteenth: A Global Celebration of Freedom, Martin: The Reunion, John Lewis: Celebrating A Hero, Love & Happiness: An Obama Celebration, Change Together: From The March On Washington To Today, A GRAMMY Salute to the Sounds of Change, Stand Up for Heroes, Dear Mama, Amanda Seales: I Be Knowin', Def Comedy Jam 25, Leslie Jones: Life Part 2, Leslie Jones: Time Machine, The All-Star Nickmas Spectacular and Rip the Runway. From the sports division: Beyoncé Bowl at the Baltimore Ravens vs. Houston Texans NFL 2024 Christmas Game (Primetime Emmy Award winner), The Super Bowl Halftime Show (Primetime Emmy Award winner), The 95th Major League Baseball All-Star Game Pre-Game Show, The 2025 World Series Game 1 Anthem, NFL Detroit Lions Thanksgiving Day Halftime Show starring Jack White and Netflix's Snoop's Holiday Halftime Party. From the scripted division: scripted series - Real Husbands of Hollywood, American Soul and miniseries - The New Edition Story and The Bobby Brown Story. From the unscripted division: unscripted series - Heart & Hustle: Houston, Tia Mowry: My Next Act, Gabrielle Union: My Journey to 50, Oh Hell No! With Marlon Wayans, Cardi Tries, My Killer Body with K. Michelle, DJ Cassidy's Pass the Mic and Forward: The Future of Black Music, competition series - Hollywood Squares, Rhythm + Flow, Celebrity Squares, Becoming A Popstar, Sunday Best, Hip Hop Squares and Nashville Squares, talk shows - We Got Time Today, Yara Shahidi's Day Off and Face to Face with Becky G, and children's series - Bookmarks: Celebrating Black Voices (Daytime Emmy Award winner). Emmy Award winner Jesse Collins is the Founder & CEO of Jesse Collins Entertainment and executive producer of all JCE programming. He is also an executive producer for the annual GRAMMY Awards and produced the 2021 Oscars. Emmy winner Dionne Harmon is President. Emmy nominee Jeannae Rouzan-Clay is Senior Vice President of Specials.
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