Lauryn Hill received the inaugural Living Legend Icon Award at the 2026 BET Awards on Sunday after an all-star tribute celebrating her career, using her acceptance speech to encourage artists to speak boldly and represent their communities.
BET honors Hill with new career achievement award
BET presented Hill with its first Living Legend Icon Award during the ceremony at the Peacock Theater on Sunday night. The new honor recognizes artists who have made lasting contributions to music and culture through their work and influence.
Connie Orlando, BET’s executive vice president of Specials, Music Programming and Music Strategy, said Hill embodied the purpose of the award. “Across every era, she has never chased the moment; she has shaped it,” Orlando said. She added that Hill’s artistry inspired a generation “to be fearless, spiritual and free.”
Hill built her career through acting, her work with the Fugees, and her solo success. After appearing in Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit in 1993, she joined the Fugees, whose 1996 album The Score became a commercial and critical success. Her 1998 solo album, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, remains one of the most influential albums in hip-hop and R&B.
Stars celebrate Hill’s musical legacy
The tribute featured performances and appearances from several artists whose careers were influenced by Hill’s work.
Ice Cube introduced the segment by reflecting on Hill’s impact, while Wyclef Jean shared memories of their time together in the Fugees. The War and Treaty opened the musical tribute with “Joyful, Joyful,” followed by performances from Doechii, SZA, Tems, Tierra Whack, Doja Cat, Nas, Lizzo, Alexia Jayy, Queen Latifah, and Common.
Hill’s children, Selah Marley, YG Marley, and Zion Marley, also participated in the tribute with performances connected to her music.
Before accepting the award, Lauryn Hill surprised the audience with a performance of “Ex-Factor.” She later closed the ceremony with “Everything Is Everything” as the broadcast ended.
Hill urges artists to speak with purpose
During her acceptance speech, Hill said her music has always been driven by a desire to serve others and represent her community.
“I do this because I love y’all,” Hill said. She said her upbringing inspired her to share that support with others through music after realizing many people did not have similar experiences.
Hill also encouraged artists to address difficult issues, even when those conversations are uncomfortable.
“We put ourselves at times as artists… in situations where we have to say things that aren’t always comfortable,” Hill said. “But we understand that people will understand later.”
She ended by reaffirming her commitment to using music as a way to inspire future generations.
“I want people to know what we can do,” Hill said. “I have a desire to make music as well as I can, or to communicate with people as well as I can because I want people to know that’s what we do.”
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