This already sounds incredible! BET Networks announced some of the artists who will pay tribute to Prince at the 2016 BET Awards later this month.
The network revealed on June 7, Prince’s birthday, that Sheila E. (his ex-fiancée), The Roots, D’Angelo and Janelle Monáe will perform during a “special musical celebration” in honor of the late “Purple Rain” singer, who would have turned 58 this year. More performers are expected to be announced at a later date.
As previously reported, Prince died from a fentanyl overdose at his Paisley Park estate in Chanhassen, Minnesota, on April 21. BET previously honored the legendary rocker in 2010, when he was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
Last month, Madonna closed out the 2016 Billboard Music Awards with an emotional tribute to her late friend. She performed his hit “Nothing Compares 2 U” before being joined on stage by Stevie Wonder for a soulful rendition of “Purple Rain.”
Prior to her performance, several Prince fans launched an online petition in an attempt to stop the Queen of Pop, 57, from taking the stage, claiming that the late entertainer was “more than worthy of a better choice as a main performer.”
Just moments after Madonna took the stage, BET threw shade in a teaser for its upcoming tribute. “Yeah, we saw that. Don’t worry. We got you,” the network tweeted at the time.
The “Rebel Heart” singer fired back with a post on Instagram on May 28, writing, “Wearing the jacket Prince gave me back in the day without permission from BET. Lol! Good Bless America.”
The 2016 BET Awards will air on BET on Sunday, June 26, at 8 p.m. ET.
