LAURYN Hill performed at the Grammys for the first time in nearly three decades after years of struggles – and she didn’t disappoint.
The eight-time Grammy winner, 50, took the stage at Sunday’s awards show to perform a heartfelt, powerful tribute to singers D’Angelo and Roberta Flack, who both died last year.
Hill brought many superstar friends on the stage with her, including Lucky Daye, Leon Thomas, Raphael Saadiq, Jon Batiste, John Legend, Chaka Khan, and her former Fugees bandmate Wyclef Jean.
She kicked off her performance with her song featuring D’Angelo, Nothing Even Matters, from her hit album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.
Hill then took on D’Angelo’s Brown Sugar.
After her tribute to D’Angelo, she covered Flack’s Compared to What and Feel Like Makin’ Love.
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Hill ended with Flack’s hit Killing Me Softly With His Song, which she famously covered with the Fugees in 1996.
The last song led to voracious applause from the audience, who all rose to their feet.
Hill was close friends with D’Angelo, and posted a heartfelt tribute to him after his death at 51 in October following a secret cancer battle.
“I regret not having more time with you,” she wrote.
“Your undeniable beauty and talent were not of this world, and a presence not of this world needs protection in a world that covets light and the anointing of God.
“You sir, moved us, stirred us, inspired and even intimidated others to action with your genius.”
BIGGEST SNUBS FROM THE 2026 GRAMMYS
The Weeknd – Hurry Up Tomorrow
The global superstar was completely shut out despite strong reviews and hit singles from Hurry Up Tomorrow, reigniting backlash over his ongoing rift with the Recording Academy.
Lorde – Virgin
Lorde failed to land a single nomination for Virgin, an album widely praised by critics and was expected to be a major contender in the top categories.
Shawn Mendes – Shawn Mendes
The singer’s comeback album, self-titled Shawn Mendes, earned zero nominations, surprising fans who believed his deeply personal return would secure Grammy recognition.
Miley Cyrus – Something Beautiful
Despite acclaim for Something Beautiful, Miley was notably absent from Album, Record, and Song of the Year – categories many felt the project deserved to crack.
Drake – For All the Dogs (Scary Hours Edition)
Drake once again missed out on top-category recognition for For All the Dogs (Scary Hours Edition), continuing his complicated and tense relationship with the Grammys.
Wizkid – Morayo
Despite massive global impact, Nigerian musician Wizkid received limited recognition for Morayo, fueling criticism that international stars remain underrepresented.
Gracie Abrams – The Secret of Us
After a breakout year, The Secret of Us was shut out entirely, a surprising outcome given the album’s viral success and critical buzz.
Benson Boone – American Heart
The rising star earned zero nominations for American Heart, a snub that frustrated fans who felt his breakout momentum was ignored.
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It was announced last week that the singer would be leading the special tribute, marking her first Grammy appearance in 27 years.
In 2016, Hill was supposed to perform alongside The Weeknd at the 58th annual ceremony, but she didn’t show.
A representative for the Fugees singer said she wasn’t given enough notice and had no time to prepare.
Meanwhile, Recording Academy president Neil Portnow told reporters backstage at the show that she didn’t attend any rehearsals and was supposedly “minutes out” from the venue at showtime, but was a no-show.
Hill and the Fugees canceled their scheduled tour in August 2024, just days before it was set to begin.
No reason was given for the abrupt cancellation, leaving fans confused and disappointed.
Many also revealed that they’d only learned that the tour was called off after spotting emails.
SINGERS WITH MOST AWARDS IN GRAMMYS HISTORY
While legendary composers like Sir Georg Solti boast eye-popping Grammy totals, 31 trophies and counting, vocalists face a much tougher climb. When it comes to singers, only a rare few have managed to stack up serious Grammy hardware. Here are the Top 10 singers with the most Grammy wins:
Beyoncé – 35
Alison Krauss – 27
Stevie Wonder – 25
Jay-Z – 24
Aretha Franklin – 18
Alicia Keys – 17
Adele – 16
Taylor Swift – 14
Lady Gaga – 13
Billie Eilish – 9
“Your event has been canceled. A refund will be on its way to your account soon,” the emails reportedly stated.
This wasn’t the first time that Lauryn and the Fugees suddenly canceled tour dates.
In November 2023, the group was halfway through their tour before announcing they wouldn’t continue the remaining dates.
“As many of you may known, I’ve been battling serious vocal strain for the past month,” she said at the time.
“I made it through each show by taking prescribed prednisone, but this can be detrimental to the body when taken in large amounts over long periods of time.
“In order to prevent any long term negative affect on my voice and my body, I need to take time off to allow for real vocal recovery so that I can discontinue the medication completely,” she explained.
Lauryn holds the record for the most Grammys won by a female rapper.
Missy Elliott, Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes, and Lizzo trail behind with the second-most Grammys, each with four, and Megan Thee Stallion is currently in third place with three.
Lauryn’s 1998 album, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, launched the singer’s career and is considered one of the best-selling albums of all time.
It was also the first hip-hop album to win a Grammy for Album of the Year.