Madonna describes her tribute to Prince with Stevie Wonder as “epic”.
The queen of pop took to the stage at the 2016 Billboard Music Awards to honor the late singer, who died in April aged 57. Wearing a Prince-esque purple metallic suit with white ruffled sleeves, Madonna looked in her element as she belted out his hit track for Sinead O’Connor, Nothing Compares 2 U, before bringing Stevie up for a duet of Purple Rain.
Madonna briefly dated Prince in 1985 and the pair collaborated on Love Song and, while they had their differences over the years, the songstress was clearly emotional as she performed.
“An Epic Moment for Me to sing in honor of Prince with Stevie Wonder. #luckiestgirlintheworld,” she wrote on Instagram alongside a snap of her and the Superstition star. “Such an AmaaaaaaaaaaIng (sic) Moment for Me! Thanks to all who made it happen!!!
“His Purple Heart was there in spirit. Long may He Reign!”
Many fans praised Madonna, 57, for her energy on stage, with one user called capicualoulou commenting: “Best tribute in decades. People in the crowd couldn´t stop crying. It was so emotional and so honest. God bless Greatest ARTist in History, MADONNA”.
However not everyone seemed impressed. Instagramer lupelu21 was clearly agitated by the choice of tracks, and Madonna being picked as the star to front the tribute, as they wrote: “I love your music but you really were the wrong person to spear head a Prince tribute. It is appreciated, but this was just disappointing. Of all his amazing music you could of picked so many others in addition to Purple Rain. He was so much more than what you did! :(”
Since last night there has been a growing criticism surrounding her tribute. Critics were quick to take a swipe at the 57-year-old, with many feeling someone from today’s generation of pop stars should have been given the honor. But on Monday the star took to her Instagram account to hit back at her haters.
“Anyone who wants to do a tribute to Prince is welcome to,” she wrote alongside a snap of herself in a patterned purple ensemble. “Whatever your age Gender or skin Color. If you loved him and he inspired you then show it!!!! I love Prince 4 ever (sic).”
A few minutes later, Madonna posted a short video clip of her dancing and added the defiant message “Deal with it!f”
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