Teyana Taylor Arrives at the BET Awards 2026 in a Sculptural Gown That Has Fans Divided — Photos
June 28, 2026

Fantasia Barrino looked stunning in a black mini skirt and thigh-high boots as she went on-stage to perform during the "Black Girls Rock" Awards.
The "Black Girls Rock" Awards is an annual awards show that aims to celebrate the accomplishments of influential black females. It was founded by former model and DJ Beverly Bond in 2006 and has been televised by BET since 2010. This year's show took place at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center's Prudential Hall last August 26 and was set to honor a group of females for their stellar work in their respective fields.
This year's awardees include Janet Jackson who received the Rock Star Award, Mary J. Blige who accepted the Star Power Award, Naomi Cambell who was honored with the Black Girl Magic Award, Lena Waithe grabbed the Shot Caller Award, Judith Jamison got the Living Legend Award, and Tarana Burke took home the Community Change Agent Award.
To add excitement to the show, Queen Latifah hosted the show, while Yolanda Adams, Tamia, H.E.R., Jacqueline Green, and Fantasia hit the stage to perform.
During Fantasia's piece, a huge photo of Aretha Franklin was displayed at the back which was most likely because she was a part of the special tribute to the late Queen of Soul.
Previously, Barrino shared that she got a glimpse of Aretha's sometimes-sassy personality when they met 11-years-ago.
“I was able to sing for her when they were honoring her [at a 2007 tribute concert] at the Kodak Theater in Los Angeles, which is actually where I won ‘American Idol. I was stupid nervous because I was the little girl that was listening to Aretha. My first cassette was Aretha Franklin.”
When she finally saw Franklin backstage, she walked around the room gracefully. As she shook hands with people in the room, her mood suddenly changed when she got to Fantasia.
“She finally gets to me, and she looks at me – I’m still crying. And she said, ‘You can sing – but I’m the [expletive] around here.’ I’m thinking, ‘Wait a minute! That’s not what I was ready for!’ But she was serious.”
To Barrino, it was a wake-up call and a reality check. No matter how good she got, there will never be another Aretha Franklin.
“There will never, ever be another Aretha Franklin. That’s what she was letting me know: ‘You’re good, but always know, I’m the head chick.’”
Now that the Queen of Soul has passed away, the amount of people mourning her death proves that indeed, there will never be another Aretha Franklin.
Teyana Taylor Arrives at the BET Awards 2026 in a Sculptural Gown That Has Fans Divided — Photos
June 28, 2026
Most Stunning Female Country Stars Dazzle at 2026 ACM Awards — Photos
May 17, 2026
Queen Latifah Shines on the 2026 AMAs Red Carpet With Rarely-Seen Family Member — Photos
May 26, 2026
Janet Jackson, 60, Arrives at the 2026 BET Awards in a '90s-Inspired Outfit That Left Fans with Questions — Photos
June 29, 2026
Celine Dion Shares Touching Memory About Peabo Bryson's Kindness During 'Beauty and the Beast' Recording
June 03, 2026
20 Stars Who Gathered to Say Goodbye to Clive Davis — Including Barry Manilow and a Surprise Face in the Crowd — Photos
June 30, 2026
Mariah Carey Celebrates Twins' 15th Birthday, Igniting Reactions Over Daughter's New Look — Photos
May 01, 2026
Beloved Rapper Opens Up About Hidden Family Truths, Sparking Buzz Over Shocking Personal Revelations
May 18, 2026
Mariah Carey's Candid Rock Hall Response Goes Viral After Latest Snub — Video
April 21, 2026
Tori Spelling Breaks Silence on Car Crash with 7 Kids, Reveals What Really Happened
April 08, 2026
Beloved Soap Star Passed Away After 50-Year Career – Fans Share Emotional Tributes
May 13, 2026