This is the sixth consecutive year that a female solo artist has won album of the year.
The show tweaked the name of its Lady of Soul Award to honor this year’s recipient, who identifies as non-binary.
The actress-artist is also set to perform along with BJ The Chicago Kid, Coco Jones, Danté Bowe, Fridayy, Muni Long and SWV.
Host Deon Cole also welcomed Tank, J. Valentine, SiR and Chanté Moore to the stage.
This is the fifth consecutive year that a female solo artist has won album of the year.
The show is pre-taped, so no performers, presenters or honorees had to adjust their schedules.
Maxwell was last year’s winner of the Legend Award. Other recent winners include Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis and Erykah Badu.
They are just the second group to win the award.
