Summary (tl;dr)

Lauryn Hill made a rare return to the stage at the 2026 Grammy Awards to deliver a highly anticipated and emotional "In Memoriam" tribute to the recently deceased music icons D'Angelo and Roberta Flack.

Essential Background

Lauryn Hill is a Grammy-winning artist widely revered for her groundbreaking work with The Fugees and her seminal solo album, "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill." Known for her infrequent public appearances and performances in recent decades, her involvement in major televised events is a significant occasion for fans and the music industry. The music community experienced losses in 2025 with the passing of neo-soul pioneer D'Angelo in October and legendary singer-songwriter Roberta Flack in February.

The Full Story

On February 1, 2026, Lauryn Hill captivated audiences at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards by leading a star-studded tribute during the "In Memoriam" segment. This marked Hill's first performance on the Grammy stage in 27 years. She honored D'Angelo and Roberta Flack, both of whom passed away in 2025.

Hill's performance included a rendition of "Nothing Even Matters," a track she originally performed with D'Angelo. The tribute also featured a medley of D'Angelo's classics like "Brown Sugar" and "Devil's Pie," with guest appearances from artists such as Lucky Daye, Leon Thomas, Raphael Saadiq, and Jon Batiste. Subsequently, Hill shifted her focus to Roberta Flack, performing songs like "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" and "Feel Like Makin' Love." The segment culminated with Hill, joined by her Fugees bandmate Wyclef Jean, delivering a moving rendition of Flack's iconic hit "Killing Me Softly With His Song." Reba McEntire and Post Malone also contributed to the "In Memoriam" segment, honoring Ozzy Osbourne and McEntire's late stepson, Brandon Blackstock.

Why It Matters

Lauryn Hill's return to the Grammy stage is highly significant due to her influential status in music and her notoriously rare public appearances. Her participation in honoring D'Angelo and Roberta Flack not only paid homage to two beloved artists but also resonated deeply with fans who cherish her contributions to R&B and hip-hop. The performance served as a powerful reminder of the enduring impact of these musicians and generated considerable excitement, sparking widespread discussion and searches as people sought details of her performance and the tribute.

Geographic Location

• Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, United States (68th Annual Grammy Awards ceremony and performances)