With the curtain having fallen on the 2026 BET Awards, it’s time to revisit the stellar highlights and celebrate the night’s biggest winners.
One unforgettable highlight from the glitzy event on June 28 was when Janet Jackson unexpectedly appeared to honor Teyana Taylor with the Icon of the Year Award. An expert has analyzed this touching event, shedding light on why the legendary “Rhythm Nation” singer seemed a bit out of her comfort zone as she praised Taylor.
Inbaal Honigman, a seasoned astrologer and a specialist in body language, has been a prominent figure in media for over twenty years. She frequently shares her insights on pop culture and various personalities across numerous platforms, including appearances on Big Brother’s Little Brother, contributions to Elle Magazine, and discussions on talkSPORT radio.
In collaboration with Casino Guru, Honigman explained to Showbiz Cheat Sheet, “The legendary performer made her way onto the stage with the aura of a deity blessing her followers. She moved slowly and intentionally, positioning her arms forward in a manner akin to a spiritual leader. Janet’s measured pace and deliberate movement suggest she perceives herself as set apart from the others present.”
Honigman continued, “Her words to Teyana Taylor are given with a generosity of spirit, as her smile is warm and genuine, and Janet is nodding with each word. Janet doesn’t communicate like a regular person. Her moves are a little exaggerated, which is perhaps entirely normal for someone who’s been insanely famous since birth.
“Despite her ethereal movements, Janet is still human and she is a little overwhelmed, as her hands show. Janet’s hands are gathered in front of her protectively, as she feels vulnerable in front of the audience. This protective gesture indicates her feelings of vulnerability and discomfort.”
Honigman also talked about Taylor’s overwhelming emotional response to receiving the award from Jackson.
“Teyana’s overwhelming, shocked and tearful response to Janet Jackson presenting her with the Icon Award is completely genuine,” Honigman said. “Her reaction may appear totally unhinged, as she’s unable to control her tears and sobs, but Taylor wears her heart on her sleeve, and there is no fakeness there. Tears wash over her face as her chest rises and falls with each sob … She glances up at Janet, not even trying to hide how moved she is.”
The expert added, “[Taylor] holds her shoulders tight and close into her body, trying to make herself small, as she feels unworthy of all the love that she’s being showered with. Walking up to the stage, Teyana breaks into a little run, excited and enthusiastic. This little run shows that Teyana is not confident. She jogs as if someone would take her honor away in case she was late.
“Bouncing up and down on the stage, Teyana tries to release her explosive nerves. She rocks from side to side, shaking off the discomfort that she is feeling. Being showered with attention and affection feels uncomfortable to her.”
Showbiz Cheat Sheet acknowledges that conditions and cultures can impact body language and is sensitive to all backgrounds.