Lauryn Hill’s Soulful D’Angelo And Roberta Flack Grammys Tribute
Lauryn Hill had honored the Grammys in their feelings with a beautifully Black, soul-satisfying tribute D'Angelo and Roberta Flack. And for once, the Recording Academy actually listened to the culture, inviting the son of the late, great singers, D'Angelo and Angie Stone, to witness the moving moment.
During the 2026 Grammy Awards, Lauryn Hill put together an emotional In Memoriam tribute in honor of neo-soul architect D'Angelo and legendary singer Roberta Flack. The result was one of the most powerful moments of the night. According to VariationThe segment went far beyond a slideshow and delivered a full celebration of legacy, influence, and Black musical lineage, reminding viewers what the Grammys look like when they get it right.
Hill opened the D'Angelo part by harmonizing live with his recorded vocals on “Nothing Even Matters,” a song that already lives deep in the hearts of R&B fans. From there, the tribute unfolded like a love letter to neo-soul.
Lucky Daye eased into “Brown Sugar,” Raphael Saadiq and Anthony Hamilton brought tenderness to “Lady,” Leon Thomas tackled “Devil's Pie,” and the final piece featured Vanguard BGVS, Bilal and Jon Batiste, who closed with a rousing rendition of “Africa.”
The room felt reverent, emotional and heavy in the best way.
The tribute to Roberta Flack carried that same weight. Hill and Batiste performed “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face,” followed by Leon Bridges on “Compared to What.” Lalah Hathaway and October London honored Flack's duets with Donny Hathaway, while John Legend and Chaka Khan delivered “Where Is the Love.” Hill then covered “Feel Like Makin' Love” before reuniting with Wyclef Jean for “Killing Me Softly,” transitioning seamlessly into the Fugees version that introduced Flack's genius to a new generation.
The tribute did not come without controversy.
If Yahoo Entertainment reported, D'Angelo's son, Michael Archer II, initially revealed that he had not received an invitation to the ceremony despite his father being honored on stage. After public outcry and clarification from Recording Academy president Harvey Mason Jr., Archer confirmed that he would be in Los Angeles for Grammy Weekend, signaling that the Academy finally made things right.
Fans also wondered if Angie Stone, Archer's mother and a soul icon in her own right, would receive similar recognition after her death in 2025. While her inclusion remains unclear, the Grammys extending an invitation to Archer felt like a necessary step toward accountability.
At best, the Grammys honor legacy with care. Lauryn Hill made sure this moment did just that.
