The nominees for the 2026 BET Awards YoungStars category are officially here, and this year’s list is packed with young stars who are already making major waves across television, music, film, and digital media.
This year’s nominees include Daria Johns, Graceyn “Gracie” Hollingsworth, Heiress Harris, Jazzy’s World TV, Lela Hoffmeister, North West, Thaddeus J. Mixson, and VanVan.
Daria Johns has quietly been building an impressive acting résumé with roles in Kayla’s Light (2016), Animator (2018), and Nappily Ever After.
Graceyn “Gracie” Hollingsworth is already a huge name among families online thanks to Gracie’s Corner, the animated educational series she co-created and voices. The show is a hit among parents and children across YouTube and social media.
Heiress Harris continues proving she inherited her family’s entertainer gene. The daughter of T.I. and Tiny Harris constantly goes viral for her singing clips and viral moments online. She has also appeared in The Ms. Pat Show, The Day Before Christmas, and Grosse Pointe Garden Society.
Jazzy’s World TV has turned celebrity interviews and family-friendly content into one of the biggest young creator platforms online. Between red carpets, viral interviews, and YouTube videos, Jazzy has built a fanbase that continues growing every year.
Lela Hoffmeister has steadily become one of the strongest young television actresses in the category with appearances in Abbott Elementary, Kidding, and Nickelodeon’s Erin & Aaron.
North West may already be one of the most recognizable celebrity kids on the internet. The daughter of Kim Kardashian and Kanye West recently debuted her EP N0rth4evr and grabbed attention after appearing at Rolling Loud alongside rapper Molly Santana. She is also expected to appear at Summer Smash later this year.
Thaddeus J. Mixson already has a résumé most actors would want. The young actor is known for Creed III, Candy Cane Lane, and South of Heaven, and this marks another BET YoungStars nomination for him following previous nods in 2023 and 2025.
Then there’s VanVan, whose full name is Savannah VanVan McConneaughey. The young rapper first blew up through freestyle videos before branching into acting with appearances in GOAT, Crossover: The Revenge, and Abbott Elementary. This is her third BET Awards nomination.
The YoungStars Award recognizes African American entertainers under 18 who are making major moves in television, film, music, or sports. Blue Ivy Carter took home the award in both 2024 and 2025, while Marsai Martin dominated the category for years before that.
