Lauryn Hill received the first Living Legend Icon Award during the 2026 BET Awards, marking a major moment in the show’s history. The new honor recognizes artists whose work has made a lasting impact on music and culture.
The ceremony featured a tribute from several well-known performers, who celebrated Hill’s career with live performances of songs that helped define her legacy. The celebration took another memorable turn when Hill joined the stage for a surprise performance of Ex-Factor, drawing a strong response from the audience.
During her acceptance speech, Hill thanked her parents and reflected on the importance of creating music with purpose. She spoke about encouraging people to value their individuality while supporting one another with respect and understanding.
Hill also recognized her son John on his birthday and shared that her groundbreaking album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill was inspired by her children and the community around her. The evening celebrated not only her influence as an artist but also the lasting impact her work continues to have across generations.