Hill’s involvement in the tribute carries added significance given her deep musical connections to both artists. She famously covered Roberta Flack’s 1973 classic “Killing Me Softly With His Song” as part of the Fugees on their 1996 album The Score. She also collaborated with D’Angelo on her Grammy-nominated track “Nothing Even Matters,” highlighting her long-standing artistic bond with the late R&B star.
In addition to Hill, the Recording Academy confirmed that Brandy Clark and Lukas Nelson will join Reba McEntire to honor other departed artists during the segment. A separate tribute dedicated to Ozzy Osbourne will feature performances by Post Malone, Andrew Watt, Chad Smith, Duff McKagan and Slash.
The In Memoriam segment has long been a central part of the Grammy broadcast, paying respect to musicians and industry figures who have died since the previous ceremony.
Hill’s role in this year’s tributes comes decades after one of the most significant moments in her own Grammy legacy. At the 41st Annual Grammy Awards in 1999, she received 10 nominations—the most ever for a woman in a single year at the time—and won five awards for her solo album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, including Album of the Year, Best New Artist, and Best R&B Album. The album also became the first hip-hop release to win Album of the Year.
Over her career, Hill has earned 19 Grammy nominations and eight wins, making her one of the most decorated female artists in Grammy history and the most Grammy-awarded female rapper. Her 1999 success also set records for the most nominations and wins for a female artist in one night, and The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill has since been recognized for its cultural impact, including induction into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
The 2026 Grammy Awards will be broadcast live on CBS for the final time at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT, with streaming available on Paramount+. Trevor Noah will host the ceremony for the sixth and final time. Performances will include Justin Bieber, Sabrina Carpenter, Clipse and Pharrell Williams, alongside Best New Artist nominees Addison Rae, Alex Warren, KATSEYE, Leon Thomas, Lola Young, Olivia Dean, SOMBR and The Marias. Additional performers are expected to be announced ahead of the show.