Lauryn Hill Honored As Living Legend At BET Awards
Lauryn Hill turned her BET Awards honor into one of the night’s most powerful moments Sunday, accepting the Living Legend Icon Award before surprising the audience with an impromptu performance of her 1998 classic “Ex-Factor.”
After watching a 20-minute tribute to her groundbreaking career at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, Hill closed the show with “Everything Is Everything,” reminding the room why her influence still carries across generations.
Introduced by Ice Cube, the eight-time Grammy winner was celebrated through performances from SZA, Doechii, Lizzo, Queen Latifah, Common and her children Selah Marley and Zion Marley. The tribute revisited songs from Hill’s catalog as she stood smiling, singing along and applauding.
After accepting the honor, Hill encouraged artists to protect their gifts and stay rooted in their purpose.
“I fight for y’all,” Hill said. “And fighting for y’all is me fighting for myself, it’s me fighting for my children, it’s me fighting for my community.”
The Living Legend Icon Award recognizes pioneers whose work has remained culturally essential across generations. Hill first rose to fame as a member of the Fugees before releasing her landmark solo album, “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill,” which gave the world classics including “Doo Wop (That Thing),” “Ex-Factor” and “Everything Is Everything.”
Janet Jackson Surprises Teyana Taylor With Icon Of The Year Award
The night also delivered an emotional full-circle moment for Teyana Taylor, who fought back tears when Janet Jackson walked onto the stage to present her with the Icon of the Year Award.
Taylor, visibly stunned as Jackson received a standing ovation, embraced the music legend before thanking one of her biggest inspirations.
“They did not tell me Janet was coming,” Taylor said through tears. “There will be no me without you.”
Presenting the award, Jackson praised Taylor’s relentless work ethic and artistic range, calling her gifts “God-given.” She also highlighted Taylor’s Golden Globe win for best supporting actress in “One Battle After Another.”
The Icon of the Year Award recognizes a creative force whose influence is shaping culture. Taylor has built a two-decade career as a multiplatinum recording artist, award-winning actor, director, producer and choreographer.
“I worked my (expletives) off 20 years,” Taylor said. “So I’m not accepting what I’ve earned with arrogance. I’m accepting what I’ve earned with gratitude.”
BET Awards Remember Clive Davis, Richard Smallwood And Other Trailblazers
The BET Awards also paused to honor influential figures in music, television and entertainment who died over the past year.
Erica Campbell of Mary Mary introduced the in memoriam tribute, reflecting on the legacies left behind by the artists and industry leaders who helped shape culture. She paid special tribute to gospel composer Richard Smallwood, whose music she said strengthened her faith.
Campbell also remembered music executive Clive Davis, who died earlier this week at 94, before performing Whitney Houston’s “I Love the Lord” with Le’Andria Johnson.
The tribute honored Smallwood, Davis, Malcolm-Jamal Warner and others whose contributions left a lasting mark on music, television and culture.
D’Angelo Honored With All-Star Tribute
The show also celebrated the late D’Angelo with a star-studded tribute that opened with appearances from his three children.
Ari Lennox, BJ the Chicago Kid, Durand Bernarr, George Clinton and RAYE were among the artists who honored the R&B legend by performing his music. The tribute spotlighted the lasting influence of one of the most acclaimed voices in modern soul.
Sylvia Rhone Receives Ultimate Icon Award
Music executive Sylvia Rhone received the BET Ultimate Icon Award, honoring her groundbreaking leadership and lasting impact on the music industry.
Presented by Kelly Rowland, the award celebrated Rhone’s career as the first Black woman to lead a major record company owned by a Fortune 500 corporation. A video tribute featured messages from artists including Missy Elliott and Busta Rhymes, highlighting Rhone’s role in helping develop the careers of Tracy Chapman, Brandy, Erykah Badu, Lil Wayne, Kid Cudi, Future, Travis Scott and Tyler, the Creator.
While accepting the award, Rhone dedicated the honor to the artists and creative teams she has worked with throughout her career.
“Tonight’s honor bears my name, but it really belongs to all of us who create culture,” Rhone said.
Rhone also used the moment to address artificial intelligence and its growing impact on music.
“We make the algorithm. The algorithm doesn’t make us,” she said. “We must honor the musician. We must compensate the creator.”
She called on the industry to protect artists and make sure the next generation has the opportunity to create “the songs that will change the world.”
Druski Makes History As Youngest BET Awards Host
Druski opened the BET Awards with a dramatic entrance, descending from the rafters in a harness as a choir performed Kirk Franklin’s “Revolution.”
The comedian and digital creator made history as the youngest host in the ceremony’s 25-year history. At 31, Druski surpassed Kevin Hart, who previously held the distinction when he hosted in 2011.
The opening performances featured Kehlani, who sang “Folded” with Jamie Foxx and his daughter, Anelise Estelle Foxx, on guitar. Don Toliver also performed “E85” and “Body.”
Accepting the award for best female R&B/pop artist, Kehlani admitted she had not prepared a speech. Instead, she paused to acknowledge the magnitude of the room.
“Janet Jackson is here,” Kehlani said, before telling the icon she was “really honored to be here” among the night’s talent.
Throughout the ceremony, Druski leaned into the internet-born comedy style that made him one of entertainment’s fastest-rising stars. He appeared alongside Martin Lawrence and Latto, spoofed Jay-Z’s Roots Picnic freestyle and brought his improvisational humor to the BET stage.
Lawrence jokingly shut down Druski’s pitch to appear in the next “Bad Boys” film before teasing his upcoming Paramount+ series. Latto also playfully poked fun at the host during one of the show’s transitions.
Druski first became known for viral sketches before expanding into sold-out comedy tours, music collaborations and appearances alongside stars including Drake, Snoop Dogg, Tom Brady and Timothée Chalamet.
Hip-hop pioneer MC Lyte returned as the show’s announcer.
