Lauryn Hill and Teyana Taylor Honored at 2026 BET Awards

Lauryn Hill and Teyana Taylor were celebrated with major honors at the 2026 BET Awards on Sunday, June 28, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. Hill received the inaugural Living Legend Icon Award, while Taylor was named Icon of the Year in a ceremony that featured surprise appearances and emotional tributes.

Hill was presented with her award by Ice Cube following an extensive, multi-artist tribute to her career. The segment featured performances of songs from her work with the Fugees and her landmark 1998 solo album, "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill." Artists including SZA, Doechii, Tems, Tierra Whack, Doja Cat, Nas, Lizzo, Queen Latifah, and Common participated, with Hill's children Selah and Zion Marley also performing. The War & Treaty opened the tribute.

Following the medley, Hill made an unplanned appearance to perform her hit "Ex-Factor" before accepting the award. In her acceptance speech, she connected her artistry to a sense of duty, crediting her supportive parents. "I do this because I love y'all," Hill told the audience. "I do this because I want you to have everything that I experienced." She explained that music became a way to share the love she received and to...