Lauryn Hill Received BET 2026 Living Legend Award 

Lauryn Hill was honored with the inaugural Living Legend Icon Award at the 2026 BET Awards, recognizing her lasting impact on music, hip-hop, R&B, and Black culture. The ceremony marked the first time BET presented the newly established honor. 

Before accepting the award, Hill was celebrated with an all-star tribute featuring performances by artists including SZA, Doechii, Nas, Doja Cat, Queen Latifah, Lizzo, Common, Tems and others, who performed some of her most influential songs from both her solo career and her work with The Fugees. 

The tribute concluded with a surprise appearance by Hill herself, who performed her classic hit “Ex-Factor,” drawing one of the night’s biggest ovations. 

Accepting the honor, Hill delivered an emotional speech encouraging people to embrace their individuality and support one another.

“Let’s celebrate each other.”

She also reflected on her life’s work, saying she has always been driven by a desire to uplift others through her music and artistry. 

The recognition adds another milestone to Hill’s celebrated career, which includes the groundbreaking album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, multiple Grammy Awards, and decades of influence across generations of artists.