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One of the most powerful moments of the 2026 BET Awards came when Lauryn Hill was named the inaugural recipient of the Living Legend Icon Award, a new honour celebrating artistes who have shaped culture and left a lasting mark on music.
Hill's career was celebrated through a star-studded tribute that traced her journey from Sister Act 2 to her groundbreaking work with The Fugees and her landmark solo album, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.
The tribute opened with Ice Cube reflecting on Hill's legacy, followed by Wyclef Jean, who shared memories of their time together in The Fugees.
A powerhouse lineup then took over the stage: Doechii and SZA performed "Ready or Not," Tems and Tierra Whack teamed up for "Fu-Gee-La," while Hill's daughter, Selah Marley, delivered an emotional rendition of The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.
Doja Cat performed "Superstar" before joining Nas for their classic collaboration, "If I Ruled the World."
Hill's son, YG Marley, performed "Turn Your Lights Down Low," Lizzo and Tierra Whack brought the house down with "Doo Wop (That Thing)," Zion Marley honoured his namesake with "To Zion," and Alexia Jayy wowed the audience with "Killing Me Softly."
The tribute closed with Queen Latifah and Common performing "Lost Ones," bringing a fitting end to a celebration of one of hip-hop and R&B's most influential