Madonna Tributes Prince With Billboard Awards Performance

(Radio.com) Madonna brought the crowd to their feet at the Billboard Music Awards with a rendition of Prince's "Nothing Compares 2 U." Clad in a purple suit, the pop queen performed before the words "BROTHER" and funereal images.

In a smooth transition to "Purple Rain," Stevie Wonder came onstage to join her as purple wristbands lit the Las Vegas arena. The tribute turned a cappella while fans clapped reverentially.

"Every time we hear a really great guitar solo, we're gonna remember," said Questlove in his introduction, leading the audience in a moment of silence. "I just want to take a moment to remember the great Prince Rodgers Nelson."

Madonna and Prince (who were rumored to have briefly dated) collaborated on her Like a Prayer on the track "Love Song." Before a worldwide audience in the millions, Madonna's performance was a fitting tribute to her old friend and collaborator. Read more here.

Prince Music, DVDs, Books and more Prince T-shirts and Posters More Prince News Share this article Related Stories Fans Can Stay At Prince's Purple Rain House Prince's Cloud 3 Guitar Highlights Julien's Auctions Music Icons Prince's Purple Rain Stage Musical In The Works Powerwolf Cover Ozzy Osbourne Classic For His 75th Birthday Butcher Brown Enlists Jay Prince For 'Move (Ride)'