LAS VEGAS — The highly anticipated tribute to the late music icon Prince was performed by Madonna at Sunday night's Billboard Music Awards.
Despite a fan petition, the show's producers stood by their decision to have Madonna, who was once a close friend of Prince, pay tribute to the musician.
The audience stood as Prince's iconic "Let's Go Crazy" monologue played and Madonna appeared on a purple throne dressed in a lavender glitter suit with white ruffles and a cane.
Madonna began with "Nothing Compares 2 U" backed by piano and strings as machine drums kicked in.
As the song entered its music break Madonna stood as images of the late singer flashed across the backdrop of the stage.
The song transitioned into a gospel-tinged version of "Purple Rain" in which Madonna brought out Stevie Wonder, who sang with her.
The two ended the show by thanking Prince himself.
Social media reaction was not too favorable:
Prince is up in heaven looking back at that #BBMAs #MadonnaPrinceTribute soooo shady, like... pic.twitter.com/IFApEINE2X
— Charles M. Blow (@CharlesMBlow) May 23, 2016
Really? We couldn't do better for @Prince? ~ #BBMAs pic.twitter.com/3HRjGGYfwb
— Dr. SaVonni Yestanti (@SaVonniYestanti) May 23, 2016
Still don't understand why Sheila E couldn't play percussion for that Prince tribute. I guess @Billboard & Linda Perry know best. 😒 #BBMAs
— April is #StillWithKap (@ReignOfApril) May 23, 2016
Even NBA player Dwyane Wade shared his thoughts:
If that's all Prince got..The rest of us are in trouble
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) May 23, 2016
And BET indicated that it will do a better tribute at its award show June 26:
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