Ms. Lauryn Hill to Receive the 'Living Legend Icon Award' at the 2026 BET Awards

Ms. Lauryn Hill is set to receive the Living Legend Icon Award sponsored by Sprite at the "BET Awards" 2026. Culture's Biggest Night will broadcast live on Sunday, June 28 at 8 PM ET/PT, from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, with Druski as host.

The Living Legend Icon Award honors pioneers of their craft, specifically dedicated to artists and creators whose body of work has remained essential not because the culture held on to them, but because they never stopped holding on to it.

A singular voice across hip-hop, R&B, soul, and reggae, Ms. Lauryn Hill first captured the world's attention as a member of The Fugees, whose 1996 album The Score topped the charts with songs like "Killing Me Softly" and "Ready or Not." In 1998, she stepped forward with her debut solo album, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, which reshaped the genres of hip-hop and soul.

"Ms. Lauryn Hill is the very definition of a living legend," said Connie Orlando, EVP, Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy, BET. "Across every era, she has never chased the moment; she has shaped it. Her artistry redefined what was possible in our music and gave a generation permission to be fearless, spiritual, and free. Her influence is woven into the fabric of the culture, and it is a profound honor to celebrate her legacy on Culture's Biggest Night."

The "BET Awards" 2026 airs live Sunday, June 28, from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, hosted by Druski. Additional honorees, performers, presenters, and special guests will be announced in the coming weeks.