Ms. Lauryn Hill’s remarkable impact on music was celebrated in grand fashion at the 2026 BET Awards as she became the first recipient of the Living Legend Icon Award.
The tribute brought together an impressive lineup of artists from multiple generations, each honoring Hill by performing songs that helped define both her career with the Fugees and her groundbreaking solo work. SZA and Doechii teamed up for a fresh take on “Ready or Not,” while Doja Cat joined Nas for a performance of “If I Ruled the World (Imagine That).” Tems, Lizzo, Queen Latifah, Common and several other artists also paid tribute throughout the segment.
Queen Latifah and Common closed the celebration with “Lost Ones,” capping off a performance that highlighted Hill’s lasting influence across hip hop, R&B and popular music.
The audience then received an unexpected bonus when Hill took the stage herself. Although she revealed she had not planned to perform, she surprised fans with a live rendition of “Ex-Factor,” drawing one of the night’s biggest reactions.
Ice Cube presented Hill with the inaugural honor, praising her enormous contribution to music and culture. Accepting the award, Hill reflected on the support she received from her parents and said that experience inspired her lifelong goal of sharing love, hope and empowerment through her music.
The tribute served as a reminder of Lauryn Hill’s enduring legacy and the profound influence she continues to have on artists across multiple generations.
