Millions tuned into the Billboard Music Awards Sunday night with one thing on their mind. No, not Justin Beiber.
We heard that Madonna was doing the first televised Prince tribute since his passing. At first we scratched our head on the choice but then we thought: Well, maybe Madonna might surprise us and give us an epic performance that will rival all Prince tributes… Maybe.
We tuned in and sadly we weren’t impressed (Stevie Wonder sorta saved the day with his cameo at the end, but that wasn’t enough). Here are 5 artists that we are certain can do a Prince tribute justice:
1. ALICIA KEYS
REASON: Remember the time that (a pregnant) Alicia Keys performed “Adore” on top of a piano with Prince in the audience? Prince loved it and so did we. Plus, the two had a working relationship. Prince allowed Alicia Keys to remake “How Come U Dont Call Me Anymore” for her debut album, Songs in A Minor, which topped the charts in 2002.
SONG SHE SHOULD SING: “How Come U Don’t Call Me” and “Adore” for old times sake.
2. D’ANGELO
REASON: Like Prince, D’Angelo is a talented songwriter, composer, and musician. Some would even argue that he is the most Prince-like artist that we have left today. Did you see his recent heartfelt cover of Prince’s Sometimes It Snows in April? We couldn’t stop the waterworks. Oh, and his song The Charade is basically a Prince record.
SONG HE SHOULD SING: D’Angelo’s cover of “She’s Always in My Hair” would make sense, but his neo-soul take on “Darling Nikki” would be EPIC.
3. LENNY KRAVITZ
REASON: Light-skinned rock god with a guitar and a penchant for dating beautiful women? Yeah, we think Lenny’s got that game covered. Not to mention the chemistry between Lenny and Prince during this performance of “American Girl” almost felt like a passing of the baton, no?
SONG HE SHOULD SING: You don’t hire Lenny Kravitz unless you want a rock anthem and what better anthem than Prince’s signature “Purple Rain?”
4. MIGUEL
REASON: If we had to pick an artist in today’s new school of R&B who is obviously influenced by Prince, it would be Miguel. Miguel’s vocal ability is undeniable and with his R&B meets Rock vibe, he could definitely do a Prince tribute justice.
SONG HE SHOULD SING: Three words ladies: “Do Me Baby.” We could also see him perform “Diamonds and Pearls.”
5. BEYONCÉ
REASON: As if we REALLY needed a reason for why Bey would be a good choice (we have a few, though). Prince performed “Purple Rain” with Beyoncé during the 2004 Grammy’s and their chemistry was electric. Beyoncé was only a mere 22 years old at the time (if that isn’t a co-sign, we don’t know what is) and is currently paying respects to the Purple One during a special segment on her Formation World Tour.
SONG SHE SHOULD SING: Far be it from us to suggest what Queen Bey should ever do, but since we’re talking Prince we say she bring some of that “Lemonade” tartness to “The Beautiful Ones.”
