Son of D’Angelo not invited to Grammy Awards tribute celebrating his father’s legacy
Michael Archer Jr., son of D'Angelo, has spoken out after not being invited to the Grammy tribute honouring his father.
Image: Instagram
The Recording Academy’s announcement that Lauryn Hill will lead a tribute to D’Angelo and Roberta Flack at the 2026 Grammy Awards has raised questions, after D’Angelo’s son revealed he was not invited to attend the ceremony.
On Wednesday, January 28, the Academy confirmed that Hill will perform during the In Memoriam segment at this year’s awards, which take place on Sunday, February 1, 2026.
Hill shares a long creative history with both artists. She collaborated with D’Angelo on the song “Nothing Even Matters” and famously reworked “Roberta Flack’s Killing Me Softly With His Song” with the Fugees.
After the tribute was announced, it emerged that The Recording Academy later confirmed to The Breakfast Club’s Loren Lorosa that D’Angelo’s daughter Imani and his brother Luther would be in attendance.
However, his son Michael Archer Jr, also known as Swayvo Twain, said neither he nor his siblings had received an invitation from the Academy.
In a statement shared by Lorosa, Archer addressed the situation while still acknowledging the importance of the tribute.
“I want to start by expressing my gratitude to the Recording Academy for honouring my father’s legacy on one of the biggest nights in music,” he said. “Any recognition of his impact and contributions to the culture truly means a lot to my family and me.
“It would’ve been a pleasure to attend, but unfortunately, my siblings and I haven’t received an invitation to be part of this moment, celebrating our parents’ lives and work.”
He added that despite the disappointment, the family remains appreciative of the recognition being given to D’Angelo’s work and influence.
“We remain thankful for the acknowledgement of my father and for the love people continue to show his music and legacy. Our respect for what Pops built will always come first.”
Following coverage of Archer’s statement, the CEO of the Recording Academy had his team reach out directly, requesting to be put in contact with him.
According to the Academy, efforts had been made to reach him previously, and after seeing the coverage, they extended an invitation personally.
D’Angelo died in October 2025, at 51, after a private battle with cancer. He was regarded as one of the most influential voices in neo-soul.
The singer rose to fame in the 1990s with albums such as “Brown Sugar” and “Voodoo”, and songs like “Lady”, “Brown Sugar” and “Untitled (How Does It Feel)”. His work helped shape a generation of soul and R&B artists that followed.
His passing came just months after the death of his former partner and the mother of Archer, Angie Stone, who died in a car accident.
The tribute at the Grammys will honour both D’Angelo and Roberta Flack, who also died in 2025.
Other tribute performances during the ceremony will include appearances by Post Malone, Slash, Duff McKagan, Chad Smith and Andrew Watt, who will honour Ozzy Osbourne. Reba McEntire, Brandy Clark and Lukas Nelson are also set to perform.