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Kevin Mazur/AMA2015/WireImage; Sara De Boer/STARTRAKS PHOTO via ABCMadonna and Prince were two artists who ruled the ’80s. They also worked together musically and, reportedly, dated one another. But some fans feel that doesn’t qualify Madonna to be the one to pay tribute to Prince at this weekend’s Billboard Music Awards…and they’ve started a petition to that effect that’s racked up thousands of signatures to date.
The petition, posted on Change.org, states, “We cannot let Madonna be the main and only artist tributing Prince during the 2016 Billboard Awards. He is more than worthy of a better choice as a main performer. Please sign and share this petition so that we can get a proper tribute on May 22, 2016. Timing is tight! Spread the word.”
So far, more than 4,000 people have signed the petition, with many adding comments about who they feel should be taking part in the tribute. Names mentioned include Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan, Wendy & Lisa, Sheila E., Lenny Kravitz, Janelle Monae, Miguel, D’Angelo and Maxwell.
Some fans don’t want Madonna be involved at all. One wrote, “I don’t believe Prince would have wanted Madonna to be the sole person doing the tribute. I feel that Madonna is too self-serving to do Prince justice.”
One fan felt that Prince’s music should speak for itself, and the Billboard Awards should air some never-before-seen rare performances.
Of course, just because Madonna is announced as “paying tribute to Prince” doesn’t mean that she’s singing. In fact, she could be introducing a montage, or even introducing other acts who’ll be performing.
The petition’s author plans to give the petition to the organizers of the Billboard Music Awards. Tune in Sunday night on ABC to see what happens.
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