The Roots, Erykah Badu and Bilal: Badu did a soulful rendition of “The Ballad of Dorothy Parker.” Bilal came on stage to take over and do an ever-so-smooth cover of “The Beautiful Ones.”
Stevie Wonder, Tori Kelly and Jennifer Hudson: Wonder and Kelly started off the performance with “Take Me With U.” They were later joined by Jennifer Hudson, who wore a white hooded mini dress for a solo rendition of “Purple Rain.” Hudson didn’t even stay on stage to receive her well-deserved applause. She started walking backstage near the end of the song so that the only thing on stage when the song was over was a picture of Prince.
Sheila E: Sheila E did a beautiful medley of Prince songs, from “Erotic City” to “I Wanna Be Your Lover,” banging on the drums and taking on the guitar. She left no stone unturned. It’s safe to say the singer had the entire audience on their feet.
Maxwell: The neo-soul artist started things off by performing his new song “Lake by the Ocean.” But he didn’t disappoint when he switched gears a bit for a smooth performance of “Nothing Compares 2 U.”
Janelle Monaé: Monaé came out in an all-white frilly outfit that was nothing short of anything Prince would wear. She performed a medley that included snippets of “Kiss,” “Delirious,” “Pop Life,” and “I Would Die For You.” Let’s just say, she did Prince proud.
