Lauryn Hill had the Grammys of their emotions with a fantastically Black, soul-satisfying tribute honoring D’Angelo and Roberta Flack. And, for as soon as, the Recording Academy really listened to the tradition, inviting the son of the late, nice singers, D’Angelo and Angie Stone, to witness the shifting second.
Through the 2026 Grammy Awards, Lauryn Hill curated an emotional In Memoriam tribute honoring neo-soul architect D’Angelo and legendary vocalist Roberta Flack. The outcome was one of many evening’s strongest moments. In line with Selection, the phase went far past a slideshow and delivered a full-bodied celebration of legacy, affect, and Black musical lineage, reminding viewers what the Grammys appear like after they get it proper.
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Hill opened the D’Angelo portion by harmonizing reside together with his recorded vocals on “Nothing Even Issues,” a tune that already lives deep in R&B followers’ hearts. From there, the tribute unfolded like a love letter to neo-soul.
Fortunate Daye eased into “Brown Sugar,” Raphael Saadiq and Anthony Hamilton introduced tenderness to “Girl,” Leon Thomas tackled “Satan’s Pie,” and the ultimate stretch featured Vanguard BGVS, Bilal, and Jon Batiste, who closed with a stirring rendition of “Africa.”
The room felt reverent, emotional, and heavy in one of the simplest ways.
The Roberta Flack tribute carried that very same weight. Hill and Batiste carried out “The First Time Ever I Noticed Your Face,” adopted by Leon Bridges on “In comparison with What.” Lalah Hathaway and October London honored Flack’s duets with Donny Hathaway, whereas John Legend and Chaka Khan delivered “The place Is the Love.” Hill then lined “Really feel Like Makin’ Love” earlier than reuniting with Wyclef Jean for “Killing Me Softly,” seamlessly transitioning into the Fugees model that launched Flack’s genius to a brand new era.
The tribute didn’t come with out controversy.
As Yahoo Leisure reported, D’Angelo’s son, Michael Archer II, initially revealed that he had not acquired an invitation to the ceremony regardless of his father being honored onstage. After public outcry and clarification from Recording Academy president Harvey Mason Jr., Archer confirmed he can be in Los Angeles for Grammy Weekend, signaling that the Academy lastly made issues proper.
Followers additionally questioned whether or not Angie Stone, Archer’s mom and a soul icon in her personal proper, would obtain related recognition after her passing in 2025. Whereas her inclusion stays unclear, the Grammys extending an invitation to Archer felt like a obligatory step towards accountability.
At its finest, the Grammys honor legacy with care. Lauryn Hill made positive this second did precisely that.
Try the complete tribute beneath:
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