Lauryn Hill took centre stage at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards on Sunday, delivering a poignant “In Memoriam” performance dedicated to the late soul icons D’Angelo and Roberta Flack, per complex.com.
The eight-time Grammy winner opened her medley with “Nothing Even Matters,” the celebrated duet from her seminal album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill. The performance served as a moving farewell to D’Angelo, who passed away in October 2025 at the age of 51 following a battle with cancer. Hill followed with a high-energy rendition of “Brown Sugar,” honouring the neo-soul pioneer’s lasting influence on the genre.
The tribute then transitioned into a celebration of Roberta Flack, the legendary singer and educator who died last February aged 88. Joined by an ensemble of special guests, including Wyclef Jean, Chaka Khan, and Lucky Daye, Hill performed Flack classics such as “Compared to What” and “Feel Like Makin’ Love.”
The set reached an emotional crescendo with the Fugees’ version of “Killing Me Softly With His Song,” a track inextricably linked to both women. The performance brought the star-studded audience at the Trevor Noah-hosted ceremony to its feet.
Reflecting on D’Angelo’s legacy, Hill had previously shared a heartfelt tribute on social media, stating: “Your undeniable beauty and talent were not of this world… You sir, moved us, stirred us, and inspired us with your genius.”
•Featured image: Lauryn Hill//Christopher Polk/Billboard/Getty Images
