The 2026 Grammy Awards featured a poignant In Memoriam tribute dedicated to the late musicians D’Angelo and Roberta Flack, which emerged as one of the ceremony’s most resonant moments. The segment, led by Ms. Lauryn Hill, assembled a roster of R&B and soul artists to perform a curated selection of songs celebrating the legacy of the two icons, marking a powerful start to Black History Month.
The tribute opened with a homage to D’Angelo, who died in October 2025. Widely credited as a pioneer of the neo-soul movement, D’Angelo’s work in the late 1990s and early 2000s redefined expressions of intimacy and Black masculinity in music. Hill performed renditions of his tracks including “Brown Sugar,” “Lady,” and “Devil’s Pie,” while singer Bilal delivered a acclaimed version of “Untitled (How Does It Feel).”
The second half honored Roberta Flack, the Grammy-winning singer whose career spanned decades and genres. Performers covered her classics such as “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” and “The Closer I Get to You.” The segment culminated with Hill and Wyclef Jean reuniting to perform “Killing Me Softly with His Song,” transitioning into the Fugees’ rendition.
While the tribute received widespread praise for its emotional weight and musical execution, some viewers noted the omission of Angie Stone, a foundational hip-hop soul artist who passed away in March 2025. Critics highlighted her significant influence on the very neo-soul and R&B sounds celebrated during the segment.
The memorial performance quickly gained traction on social media, extending its impact beyond the televised event. It served as a collective moment of recognition for two artists whose contributions fundamentally shaped modern soul and pop music. The choice to feature such a substantial, artist-led tribute underscored the Grammys’ role in honoring pillars of Black musical history at the beginning of Black History Month.
