BET has officially announced that legendary music executive Sylvia Rhone will be honored with the prestigious Ultimate Icon Award at the BET Awards 2026. Known as “Culture’s Biggest Night,” the ceremony is scheduled to broadcast live on Sunday, June 28, at 8 PM ET/PT from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, with comedian Druski set to host the festivities.
The Ultimate Icon Award is reserved for trailblazers who have transcended their respective fields, leaving an indelible mark of excellence on the culture. Rhone’s career is defined by such milestones; she famously made history as the first Black woman to lead a major record company owned by a Fortune 500 corporation. Her extensive resume includes top leadership positions at Atlantic Records, Elektra Entertainment Group, Universal Motown, and EastWest Records. Throughout these tenures, she was instrumental in the development of iconic artists including Missy Elliott, Busta Rhymes, Stevie Wonder, 21 Savage, Sade, and Brandy.
Most recently, Rhone served as the Chairman and CEO of Epic Records. During her leadership, she guided the careers of chart-topping superstars such as Travis Scott, Future, and Tyla before transitioning from her role in 2025. Beyond her commercial success, Rhone has remained a steadfast advocate for equity, consistently creating career pathways for women and people of color within the music industry.
“Sylvia Rhone’s influence extends far beyond the music business and into the culture itself,” said Connie Orlando, EVP & Head of Programming, BET. “She championed artists and executives, shattered ceilings that had never been broken, and redefined what leadership looks like.”
