Janet Jackson, 60, turned heads at the 2026 BET Awards on Sunday, June 28, at Los Angeles’ Peacock Theater—wearing oversized pinstripe separates layered over a 2Pac graphic T-shirt in tribute to Tupac Shakur. Before and after the look-making moment, she also s
Janet Jackson didn’t ease onto the 2026 BET Awards red carpet—she owned it.
On Sunday. June 28. the singer. 60. stepped out at the annual awards ceremony at Los Angeles’ Peacock Theater in standout style: a pair of oversized pinstripe pants matched with a coordinating blouse. She layered the striped top over a “2Pac” graphic T-shirt, nodding to her Poetic Justice costar, Tupac Shakur.
The look landed with extra punch in the details. Jackson cinched everything with a waist-defining studded belt and accessorized with an armful of silver bangles. She finished the ensemble with a tipped black fedora featuring a birdcage veil and feathered accents.
Hours before the red-carpet moment, Jackson also delivered a dose of “Sunday Inspiration” to her social media followers. An anonymous quote she shared on her Instagram Stories read: “Don’t be afraid of losing people. Be afraid of losing yourself by trying to please everyone.”
That kind of message fits with how Jackson has spoken about her place in pop culture—especially since she took home the Icon Award at last year’s BET Awards. In her acceptance speech, she said, “I’m so honored. I’m so grateful. ” and added: “I mean no disrespect in any way but I don’t consider myself an icon. My family, myself, our dream was to, it wasn’t ever to be famous.”.
She continued, “We always had a special love for music, dancing and singing. Fame came as a result of hard work and dedication. My story, my family story, is truly an American story. This would have only happened in America. The only thing that I hope for is that I’ve been an inspiration to other and artists to follow their dreams and succeed.”.
Even beyond the glitz of awards season. Jackson’s focus has often returned to the life-shifting role she’s described as her biggest change: motherhood. She has a son, Eissa. In 2024. Jackson told The Guardian. “The most important thing I’ve done. the biggest thing I’ve done. is become a mother. and it’s had a beautiful impact on my life.” She explained that she once wanted three children. but chose to stop at one. saying. “Because you have to give all of yourself. Obviously, you have to work, but you don’t come first anymore. Your life completely changes. And I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”.
On BET’s biggest night, Jackson’s style and her words carried the same theme: control over the narrative, and the insistence on staying true—to herself, to her family, and to the work.
Janet Jackson 2026 BET Awards Peacock Theater Los Angeles red carpet fashion pinstripe outfit 2Pac Tupac Shakur Poetic Justice Icon Award Sunday Inspiration Instagram Stories Eissa
She really out here dressing like Tupac’s ghost is her stylist lol.
Not gonna lie I only saw the pic of her outfit and I was like wow. But the BET Awards thing is always so random like half the people are there for attention.
Isn’t this the same Janet that got mad at the media or something? Also the article says she took an Icon Award but then she said she’s not an icon?? That doesn’t make sense, unless she means “icon” like a car or like… I don’t know.
The fedora with the birdcage veil sounds so extra, like she’s trying to be mysterious again. I’m glad she said not to lose yourself though, but I feel like everyone already says that same quote every year. Also the 2Pac T-shirt… I thought she was tied to Poetic Justice, so is it like a tribute every time she wears his face or what?