Madonna Gives Emotional Prince Tribute At 2016 Billboard Awards


Madonna closed the 2016 Billboard Music Awards on Sunday night in Las Vegas with a moving tribute to Prince.

She channeled the late icon wearing Miu Miu silver boots and a Gucci purple suit with white ruffles — complete with a walking stick, which Prince often used.

Madonna Prince Tribute Billboard Awards 2016
Madonna onstage performing a tribute to Prince during the Billboard Music Awards 2016.
CREDIT: AP Images.

After Madonna performed “Nothing Compares 2 U,” a song written by Prince, she was joined onstage by Stevie Wonder to sing “Purple Rain.”

Madonna Prince Tribute Billboard Awards 2016
Madonna performing “Nothing Compares 2 U” at the 2016 BBMAs.
CREDIT: AP Images.

Before Madonna took the stage, The Roots drummer Questlove made an appearance to remember Prince with a moment of silence. “I want to take a moment to remember the great Prince Rogers Nelson,” he announced. “It can be a moment of silence here in the air, but in our heads it should be anything but silent.”

The Weeknd, who was the most-nominated artist of the night, also paid homage to Prince when he accepted his Hot 100 Artist award. “I was told not long ago that his last TV appearance he had given me an award, and that was the greatest experience of my entire life,” he said.

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Prince was known for his 1984 “Purple Rain” album, combining elements of funk, R&B, rock and jazz. Over his long career, he recorded 39 studio albums. He won seven Grammys, a Golden Globe and an Academy Award for his wide-ranging works. Prince also received the Icon Award at the 2013 Billboard Music Awards. His top hits included “Kiss,” “Little Red Corvette,” ”Let’s Go Crazy,” “When Doves Cry” and “Raspberry Beret.”

Iconic Musician Prince Shoes Fashion Dead 57
Performing at Madison Square Garden in 2011.
CREDIT: REX Shutterstock.

Besides his obvious influence on the music industry, Prince will be remembered for his bold style on and off the stage. The icon sported various looks featuring platform and heeled boots, high-neck ruffle shirts, colorful suits, glittery costumes and three-eyed sunglasses.

Iconic Musician Prince Shoes Fashion Dead 57
Prince performing at Wembley Stadium in 1988.
CREDIT: REX Shutterstock.

The singer died last month at age 57. The official cause of death has not been released.

For all the best celebrity looks from the red carpet, click through the gallery below.

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