Billboard Music Awards 2016: Madonna Pays Tribute To Prince In Emotional Performance

Madonna took the stage on Sunday during the 2016 Billboard Music Awards at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas for one of the most highly anticipated performances of the night. The seven-time Grammy award winner was selected to pay tribute to Prince, who died April 21.

Madonna’s performance followed Britney Spears, DNCE and Rihanna. She performed two songs from Prince’s extensive discography including “Nothing Compares 2 U” and “Purple Rain.” She appeared on stage in a purple velvet chair — a clear nod to the artist. The iconic performer paid further tribute with her outfit, sporting a sequin suit complete with a bedazzled cane and ruffled sleeves, which Prince was known to wear. As Madonna sang, photos of Prince flashed behind her, reminding fans of his many profound performances throughout his lengthy career.

Madonna was joined on stage by Stevie Wonder, who donned a purple scarf. Together the pair sang their own rendition of "Purple Rain, during which images of raindrops moved behind them. Audience members waved illuminated purple wrist bands, which they waved to the beat. At the end of their performance Madonna thanked Prince “for all that you have done for us.”

While the performance was the only organized tribute to Prince, several other artists managed to work the legendary musician into their acceptance speeches. The Weeknd, who took home the evening’s first award for the Top Hot 100, thanked Prince for serving as an inspiration for the many artists that came after him. He acknowledged that while he did not know Prince personally, he drew a lot of influence from his music.

This is just one of many recent tributes to Prince. Following his death fans around the world gathered in celebration of his life, sporting his signature color — purple — and singing his many popular songs. A memorial, organized by Prince’s sister Tyka Nelson, was held at his Minnesota mansion on April 23.