Nigerian music star Tems delivered one of the most memorable performances of the 2026 BET Awards, earning a standing ovation after a soulful rendition of her hit song “What You Need” at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles.
The Grammy-winning singer took centre stage during Sunday’s ceremony, hosted by comedian Druski, wearing a distressed white gown as she opened her performance alongside acclaimed pianist and music director Adam Blackstone. She was later joined by a live band and six backing vocalists for a stripped-down version of the fan favourite from her EP Love Is a Kingdom.
Her emotional performance captivated the audience, who responded with a prolonged standing ovation, leaving the Nigerian star visibly moved by the reception.
Tems has continued to cement her place as one of the leading voices in contemporary R&B. At this year’s BET Awards, she also received nominations for Best Female R&B/Pop Artist and BET Her for her song First, further highlighting her growing global influence.
Later in the night, the 31-year-old returned to the stage for one of the ceremony’s biggest highlights—a star-studded tribute celebrating music legend Lauryn Hill, who was honoured with the inaugural Living Legend Icon Award presented by Ice Cube.
Tems teamed up with rapper Tierra Whack to perform the Fugees’ classic “Fu-Gee-La,” joining an impressive lineup of artists celebrating Hill’s impact on music and culture.
The tribute featured performances from The War and Treaty, SZA, Doechii, Selah Marley, Doja Cat, Nas, Lizzo, Queen Latifah, Common, Rapsody, YG Marley, Zion Marley, and Alexia Jayy, before Lauryn Hill closed the segment with an emotional performance of “Ex-Factor,” earning another standing ovation.
Beyond Tems’ standout moments, the 2026 BET Awards showcased performances from several music heavyweights. T.I. opened the ceremony, while Kehlani delivered an orchestral performance accompanied by Jamie Foxx and his daughter Anelise. Don Toliver, RAYE and Cardi B also thrilled audiences with energetic performances throughout the night.
On the awards front, Clipse won Album of the Year for Let God Sort Em Out, while Kehlani claimed Best Female R&B/Pop Artist. Cardi B was named Best Female Hip Hop Artist, with Teyana Taylor and Clipse emerging among the evening’s biggest winners.
For many fans, however, Tems’ breathtaking solo performance and her contribution to the Lauryn Hill tribute stood out as defining moments of a night that celebrated excellence across generations of Black music.
