Grammy-winning singer Angélique Kidjo has made history as the first African artist to be awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
The announcement was made on Wednesday at Ovation Hollywood in Los Angeles, unveiling the 2026 class of inductees.
Kidjo, widely celebrated for blending traditional African music with contemporary styles, joins a prestigious lineup of 35 global stars selected across five categories: motion pictures, television, live theatre/live performance, recording, and sports entertainment.
The recording category, where Kidjo earns her star, also includes Air Supply, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, The Clark Sisters, Josh Groban, Intocable, and Lyle Lovett. Her recognition marks a significant milestone for African music on one of the world’s most iconic sidewalks, honoring a decades-long career of global acclaim and cultural impact.
Also making history in the 2026 class is Deepika Padukone, who becomes the first Indian actress to receive a star on the Walk of Fame. Other inductees include actors Miley Cyrus, Timothée Chalamet, Demi Moore, Emily Blunt, and Rachel McAdams.
In the motion picture category, veteran actor Keith David will finally receive recognition for a four-decade-long career. Known for his powerful voice and screen presence, David has appeared in films like “Platoon”, “The Thing”, and “They Live”, and voiced numerous documentaries and animated works. His recent roles in “The Princess and the Frog” and “Greenleaf” have introduced him to new audiences.
Television honorees include Robin Roberts and George Stephanopoulos of “Good Morning America”, who will share a double ceremony, alongside Sarah Michelle Gellar, Gordon Ramsay, and Noah Wyle.
Posthumous stars will be awarded to legendary special effects artist Carlo Rambaldi and acclaimed director Tony Scott.
To receive a star, honorees must pay a $85,000 sponsorship fee that covers creation, installation, and ongoing maintenance of the star. Once announced, recipients have up to two years to schedule their unveiling ceremony.