The 68th Annual Grammy Awards featured a moving “In Memoriam” segment that paid tribute to music icons who passed away in the last year. The heartfelt performances honored Ozzy Osbourne, D’Angelo, and Roberta Flack, reminding audiences of the enduring impact these artists left behind.
Opening Tributes
The segment began with Bruce Springsteen delivering a personal remembrance of Beach Boys mastermind Brian Wilson, followed by John Mayer’s tribute to Grateful Dead co-founder Bob Weir. Chaka Khan also saluted funk pioneer Sly Stone, setting the tone for an evening of reverence and celebration.
damnnn Bilal and Lauryn Hill had every single celebrity at their fingertips during this Grammys performance. truly incredible pic.twitter.com/Nl7GglYGkv
— Spencer Althouse (@SpencerAlthouse) February 2, 2026
Reba McEntire’s Grammy Debut
Country legend Reba McEntire, performing at the Grammys for the first time, joined Brandy Clark and Lukas Nelson to sing Trailblazer. Their performance honored industry figures lost since the previous ceremony, blending heartfelt lyrics with a sense of resilience.
Rocking Farewell to Ozzy Osbourne
The tribute then shifted gears with a high-energy performance for Ozzy Osbourne, who died in July 2025 at age 76. Post Malone, Chad Smith, Duff McKagan, Slash, and Andrew Watt delivered a powerful rendition of Black Sabbath’s War Pigs. Osbourne’s family watched from the audience, visibly moved by the homage to the heavy metal legend.
Lauryn Hill’s Emotional Leadership
Lauryn Hill took center stage to lead the final two tributes of the evening. Her segment honoring D’Angelo featured a medley of his most beloved songs, including Brown Sugar, Lady, Untitled (How Does It Feel), and Africa. The performance included contributions from Lucky Daye, Raphael Saadiq, Anthony Hamilton, Leon Thomas, Bilal, and Jon Batiste. D’Angelo, a four-time Grammy winner, died in October 2025 at the age of 51 after battling pancreatic cancer.
Remembering Roberta Flack
Hill then guided a star-studded tribute to Roberta Flack, who passed away in February 2025 at age 88. The medley included First Time Ever I Saw Your Face with Jon Batiste, Compared to What with Leon Bridges and Alexia Jayy, and Closer I Get to You with Lalah Hathaway and October London. John Legend and Chaka Khan joined for Where Is the Love, while the segment culminated in a Fugees reunion with Wyclef Jean performing Killing Me Softly. Flack, a five-time Grammy winner, was celebrated for her timeless artistry and her lifetime achievement award in 2020.
A Night of Reflection
The “In Memoriam” segment balanced grief with gratitude, showcasing the power of music to honor legacies and unite generations. Lauryn Hill’s leadership and the collective performances ensured that the memories of D’Angelo, Roberta Flack, and other departed legends will continue to inspire.
