Sylvia Rhone to Receive Ultimate Icon Award at BET Awards 2026

When conversations about the architects behind some of music’s biggest stars take place, Sylvia Rhone’s name belongs at the center of the discussion. Now, BET is preparing to honor her decades of groundbreaking contributions to the entertainment industry with one of its highest distinctions.

BET has announced that legendary music executive Sylvia Rhone will receive the Ultimate Icon Award during the BET Awards 2026, airing live on Sunday, June 28, from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.

The prestigious honor recognizes individuals whose impact extends beyond professional success—trailblazers whose influence has reshaped culture and expanded what’s possible for future generations. Few embody that description more than Rhone.

Throughout her remarkable career, Rhone has broken barriers while helping define the soundtracks of multiple generations. She made history as the first Black woman to lead a major record company owned by a Fortune 500 corporation, paving the way for greater representation within the executive ranks of the music business.

Her leadership journey has included influential roles at Epic Records, Universal Motown, Elektra Entertainment Group, Atlantic Records, and EastWest Records. Along the way, she played an instrumental role in the careers of artists including Missy Elliott, Lil Wayne, Busta Rhymes, Erykah Badu, Brandy, MC Lyte, Anita Baker, Stevie Wonder, En Vogue, Tracy Chapman, Akon, Fabolous, and countless others.

Most recently, Rhone served as Chairman and CEO of Epic Records, where she helped usher in one of the label’s most successful eras. Under her leadership, Epic’s roster included chart-topping artists such as Travis Scott, Future, 21 Savage, Tyla, Giveon, Mariah The Scientist, Andre 3000, and Meghan Trainor.

Beyond the accolades and executive titles, Rhone’s legacy is rooted in her commitment to opening doors for others. She has long championed diversity, equity, and inclusion, creating opportunities for women and people of color in an industry where representation in leadership has historically been limited.

As BET prepares to celebrate another year of Black excellence, honoring Sylvia Rhone serves as a powerful reminder that some of the culture’s greatest contributions happen behind the scenes. Through her vision, advocacy, and unwavering belief in artists, she has helped shape the landscape of modern music while inspiring a new generation of executives to follow in her footsteps.

The BET Awards 2026, hosted by Druski, will air live on Sunday, June 28, at 8 p.m. ET/PT. Additional performers, presenters, and honorees are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.