Janelle Monáe Pays Homage to Prince at BET Awards
Janelle Monáe was one of many stars showing up to tribute Prince at the BET Awards, following performances from Erykah Badu, Bilal, The Roots, Stevie Wonder, Tori Kelly, and Jennifer Hudson.
Introduced by host Tracee Ellis Ross as “the definition of electric,” the Wondaland leader, who called Prince a mentor, gave one of the most impassioned performances of the evening, running through a handful of songs from his oeuvre including “Delirious,” “Kiss,” “Pop Life,” and “I Would Die 4 U.”
Running through outfit changes throughout, Monáe’s appearance was an all-out dance fest, including a mini gospel choir doing jumping jacks and an all-out band. “I love you Prince!” she exclaimed at the end of the set.
She also referenced many of Prince’s iconic looks including the “assless chaps” worn by him at the 1991 MTV Video Music Awards and those from the Purple Rain era, including the “Kiss” music video and the sequined purple cape from the 1985 Oscars.
Watch the Electric Lady’s dazzling set below.