Internet comedian Druski has been named host of the 2026 BET Awards, becoming the youngest person to ever lead the ceremony.
In a press release on Thursday, April 30, BET announced the 31-year-old digital creator will emcee the awards — in a change from having a TV or movie star front the show.
“As one of the most exciting and influential comedic voices of his generation, Druski brings a unique ability to connect with audiences through humor that feels both fresh and deeply rooted in culture,” said Connie Orlando, executive vice president of specials, music programming and music strategy at BET.
Druski, born Drew Desbordes, has more than 5 million subscribers on YouTube, and is best known for his viral sketches and video collaborations with hip-hop artists including Jack Harlow, Drake, and Lil Yachty.
“It’s an honor to be the youngest host EVER for the BET Awards,” Druski said. “I grew up watching the BET Awards and, to know the comedic legends that hosted before me set the bar so high, I’m just grateful to be a part of the history.”
The social media star added that he’ll be bringing his own brand of comedy to the stage. “So expect a little chaos, a lot of laughs, and some of your favorite Druski characters to pop out along the way,” he quipped.
Related: 2026 BET Experience Scores The Roots and Nas Concert
Last year Kevin Hart emceed the ceremony. Other previous hosts include Taraji P. Henson, Regina Hall, Jamie Foxx, Anthony Anderson and Tracee Ellis Ross, and Mo’Nique.
Today’s host announcement comes a month after Druski went viral for a sketch joking about conservative women in the U.S., drawing comparisons to Turning Point USA leader Erika Kirk. The skit angered conservatives, yet fans embraced it, leading to millions of views.
Fans can see more of Druski when he hosts the BET Awards live from the Peacock Theater in downtown Los Angeles on Sunday, June 28, at 8 PM ET/PT on BET.
The ceremony will be simulcast on BET’s sister networks BET HER, CMT, LOGO, MTV, MTV2, Nickelodeon, Paramount, POP, VH1, Comedy Central, and TV Land.
In the lead-up to the show, the network is bringing back the BET Experience on Friday, June 26, and Saturday, June 27. Known for bringing together live music, fan experiences, and panel discussions, the two-day event is moving to a new space.
Instead of taking place in downtown L.A., it’s shifting to The Beehive — a Black-owned event venue in South L.A.
Mariah the Scientist is set to headline the BETX MainStage on Saturday, June 27. Other performers booked for the weekend include B2K, Coi Leray, Destin Conrad, Fabolous, G Herbo, Jaewon, kwn, and Larry June.
The weekend will also see a massive hip-hop concert headlined by The Roots and Nas. The concert titled “A Roots Picnic Experience: A Great Night in Hip Hop” will take place on Saturday, June 27 at the Hollywood Bowl in L.A.
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