The 2026 Grammy Awards delivered an unforgettable moment that resonated deeply with R&B enthusiasts worldwide. On February 1st, music icon Lauryn Hill took center stage to orchestrate a powerful homage to two legendary figures who left indelible marks on the genre: D'Angelo and Roberta Flack. This segment transformed the traditional in memoriam portion into a celebration of artistic legacy that had viewers captivated throughout the night.
D'Angelo, whose innovative sound defined the neo-soul movement of the 1990s, passed away in October at just 51 years old after a private battle with cancer. His death sent ripples of shock through the music community, leaving fans and fellow artists mourning the loss of a visionary who redefined contemporary R&B. The Richmond, Virginia-born artist's albums "Brown Sugar" and "Voodoo" remain landmark recordings that pushed the boundaries of soul music, blending traditional R&B with funk, jazz, and hip-hop elements in ways that influenced countless musicians.
Meanwhile, Roberta Flack, who died at 88, gifted the world with timeless classics including "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" and her iconic 1973 rendition of "Killing Me Softly with His Song." Her sophisticated vocal style and emotional depth influenced generations of singers across multiple genres. Flack's ability to convey profound intimacy through her music made her one of the most respected vocalists of her era, earning her multiple Grammy Awards and a place in the hearts of millions.
Hill's tribute opened with a poignant performance of "Nothing Even Matters," the duet she originally recorded with D'Angelo for her masterpiece album "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill." Backed by D'Angelo's own band, The Vanguard, Hill's voice carried the weight of loss and remembrance. Her spoken words between verses—"D and I never got to do this on stage together. Make time for people that you love while you can"—served as both personal reflection and universal advice, resonating with everyone in attendance and watching at home. This moment of vulnerability from an artist known for her privacy made the performance even more impactful.
The tribute expanded into a full-scale celebration of D'Angelo's catalog. Contemporary R&B star Lucky Daye joined Hill to deliver a soulful rendition of "Brown Sugar," D'Angelo's breakthrough hit that introduced his signature sound to the world. The performance captured the song's raw sensuality and musical sophistication that made it a landmark recording. Daye's modern interpretation bridged the gap between D'Angelo's era and today's R&B landscape, demonstrating the timelessness of the music.
The all-star ensemble grew as Raphael Saadiq, Anthony Hamilton, and Leon Thomas united for powerful interpretations of "Lady" and "Devil's Pie." Each artist brought their unique vocal stylings while honoring the original recordings' essence. Saadiq's seasoned musicianship, Hamilton's gritty soul, and Thomas's contemporary flair created a rich tapestry of sound that honored D'Angelo's multifaceted artistry. Bilal's performance of "Untitled (How Does It Feel)" stood as a particularly moving moment, his vocal acrobatics paying tribute to one of D'Angelo's most vulnerable and celebrated works. The song, known for its raw emotional honesty and D'Angelo's stripped-down video, remains one of the most intimate recordings in modern R&B.
Hill also acknowledged another recent loss: Angie Stone, D'Angelo's former partner and a Grammy-nominated artist in her own right, who tragically died in a collision last March. Stone's contributions to the neo-soul movement, both as a solo artist and as part of the group Vertical Hold, made her an important figure in the same musical community. This recognition added another layer of emotional depth to the already powerful segment.
The tribute then transitioned to honor Roberta Flack's remarkable legacy. The highlight came when Hill reunited with her Fugees bandmate Wyclef Jean to perform their 1996 remake of "Killing Me Softly with His Song." This performance bridged generations, connecting Flack's original 1973 classic with the Fugees' groundbreaking hip-hop reinterpretation that introduced the song to a new audience three decades later. The chemistry between Hill and Jean, despite their complicated history, created a moment of pure musical magic that had the audience on their feet.
The stage continued to welcome an impressive roster of musical luminaries throughout the evening. Jon Baptiste, October London, Chaka Khan, John Legend, Leon Bridges, Lalah Hathaway, and numerous others contributed their talents, creating a tapestry of sound that celebrated the breadth and depth of R&B and soul music. Each artist brought their own connection to the honorees, whether through direct influence, collaboration, or artistic lineage.
The in memoriam segment had opened with Reba McEntire honoring her stepson Brandon Blackstock, who passed away in August, followed by a hard-rocking ensemble performance of Black Sabbath's "War Pigs" by Post Malone, Slash, Chad Smith of Red Hot Chili Peppers, and others to memorialize Ozzy Osbourne, who died in July. These tributes, while significant in their own right, served as prelude to the main event that Hill had orchestrated.
However, it was Hill's tribute that dominated conversations long after the ceremony concluded. Social media platforms erupted with praise from viewers who were moved by the performance's authenticity and emotional power. One Twitter user wrote, "Baby now that Lauryn Hill set was worth staying up past my bed time #GRAMMYs," capturing the sentiment of many who found the moment transcendent.
Another fan posted, "the D'Angelo & Roberta Flack tribute performance put on by Lauryn Hill and other legends was genuinely one of the most beautiful things i've seen man. im speechless man," reflecting the overwhelming emotional impact that left many viewers without words.
An X user declared, "That Lauryn Hill performance is one of the greatest television moments of the century. I was standing and screaming. Incredible," emphasizing how the tribute resonated as a landmark television event that demanded an active, emotional response from its audience.
The significance of this tribute extends beyond mere entertainment. It represented a moment of cultural preservation, where an artist of Hill's stature used her platform to ensure that the contributions of D'Angelo and Roberta Flack would not fade from public consciousness. By bringing together established legends and contemporary stars, Hill created a bridge between eras, demonstrating how these artists' influences continue to shape modern music in profound ways.
The performance also highlighted the Grammy Awards' evolving approach to its memorial segments. Rather than brief mentions or simple photo montages, the ceremony invested in full-scale musical celebrations that honor artists' legacies through the very art form they mastered. This approach transforms mourning into celebration, loss into legacy, and creates moments that resonate far beyond the broadcast.
For Hill personally, the tribute marked a powerful return to the Grammy stage. Her relationship with the awards has been complex since her historic wins for "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill," but this performance reaffirmed her status as one of music's most important voices and curators of culture. Her ability to organize such a massive, star-studded tribute speaks to her enduring influence and respect within the industry, transcending any past tensions.
The choice of songs throughout the tribute demonstrated careful curation. Each selection represented a different facet of the honorees' artistry—from D'Angelo's raw, confessional songwriting to Flack's elegant, emotionally nuanced interpretations. The performers didn't merely cover these songs; they inhabited them, bringing fresh energy while maintaining reverence for the originals. This balance between innovation and respect is what made the tribute so successful.
As the music industry continues to grapple with the loss of its icons, tributes like this serve a vital purpose. They remind us that while artists may pass, their work remains alive, capable of inspiring new generations and bringing people together in shared appreciation. The 2026 Grammys' tribute to D'Angelo and Roberta Flack, led by Lauryn Hill, will likely be remembered as a defining moment—one where music's power to heal, unite, and preserve memory was on full display.
In an era where award shows often feel formulaic and disconnected from genuine emotion, this segment broke through with authenticity and artistic excellence. It wasn't just a tribute; it was a testament to the enduring power of soul music and the artists who dedicate their lives to creating it. For those who witnessed it, the performance will remain a treasured memory, a reminder of why we fall in love with music in the first place.
The production values, the artist selection, and the heartfelt execution all combined to create something rare in modern award shows: a moment that felt truly necessary and completely earned. As the final notes faded and the applause thundered through the venue, it was clear that this was more than just a segment—it was history being made, a proper farewell to two giants of American music.