The 2026 BET Awards stage transformed into a vibrant celebration of hip-hop and R&B royalty as generations of artists united to honor the incomparable Lauryn Hill. As Ms. Hill was presented with the first-ever Living Legend Icon Award, a constellation of stars—peers, collaborators, and inspired mentees—delivered a deeply moving tribute performance showcasing her most beloved songs.
Introduced by the iconic Ice Cube, a compelling video montage narrated by Wyclef Jean illuminated the multifaceted genius of the Grammy winner, chronicling her decades of groundbreaking achievements. The musical tribute kicked off with a vocally stunning performance of "Joyful Joyful" by husband-and-wife duo The War And Treaty (Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter), a poignant callback to their shared performance of the song with Hill in "Sister Act II" as teenagers.
SZA and Doechii then took center stage, channeling the raw energy of The Fugees with their rendition of "Ready or Not." The baton was seamlessly passed to Tierra Whack and Tems for a captivating performance of "Fu-Gee-La." In a particularly emotional moment, Hill’s daughter, Selah Marley, graced the stage to perform a moving cover of "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill" title track, bringing Ms. Hill to tears.
Doja Cat paid homage to Hill's dual talents as a singer and rapper with a performance of "Superstar," before being joined by Nas for an electrifying rendition of "If I Ruled The World." Queens' own Nas proclaimed, "Ms. Hill, you’re the greatest!" as he exited the stage.
The tribute continued with heartfelt performances, including a moving rendition of "Turn Your Lights Down Low" by her son, YG Marley. Lizzo and Rapsody delivered an energetic execution of the 1998 hit "Doo Wop (That Thing)," igniting the crowd. Perhaps one of the most touching moments was Zion Marley's reggae-infused performance of "To Zion," a song originally dedicated to him, showcasing the deep personal impact of Hill’s artistry.
Alexia Jayy, the winner of season 29 of "The Voice," demonstrated her vocal prowess on "Killing Me Softly," proving why she claimed the top prize. The tribute reached its crescendo with Queen Latifah and Common joining forces for a performance of "Lost Ones," bringing classic hip-hop prestige to the stage. Queen Latifah closed out the tribute by yelling, "Respect the Queen of Jersey," adding "L. Boogie, Ms. Lauryn Hill!" to thunderous applause and a standing ovation.
Before accepting her award, Lauryn Hill herself took the stage to perform "Ex-Factor," a moment that resonated deeply with the audience, bridging the tribute with her personal acceptance.
This elaborate tribute, featuring a wide spectrum of talent from R&B, hip-hop, and beyond, underscored the universal and cross-generational admiration for Lauryn Hill. It was a powerful affirmation of her status as a true icon whose influence continues to shape the musical landscape.
Reporting via Vibe. Read the original story here: https://www.vibe.com/news/entertainment/queen-latifah-common-lauryn-hill-tribute-bet-awards-2026-1235177872/
