The 2016 BET Awards is sparing no expense at offering one of the year's most highly-anticipated televised events, having now added iconic artist Stevie Wonder to its long list of performers.
The Grammy Award winner will take the stage to honor the late Prince as a part of the TV network's star-studded dedication to the Purple Rain genius. Artists such as Erykah Badu, Bilal, Janelle Monae, Alicia Keys, Maxwell, Sheila E. and The Roots will be performing throughout the night as well.
Shortly after Prince's passing Wonder offered a touching tribute to the incredible musician for Rolling Stone, expounding on his relationship with him and his undeniable legacy.
"Prince's music was so picturesque that even I could see it. I could see his boss Mr. McGee, who thought Prince was never going to be shit. I could see Old Man Johnson's farm. I could feel that 'Purple Rain' too. Prince's songs were that vivid, the images were that strong. I think I related to the way Prince saw things because we both grew up in the Midwest, where we met all kinds of people and had a great spectrum from which to learn. We both grew up hearing blues, rock & roll, jazz and gospel, and found the value in it all.Prince was so inspired, and so inspiring. He was kind, he was disciplined and he knew where he wanted to go. He was able to make big transitions. If Michael was the King of Pop, Prince should be the Emperor. Prince fought for his artistic freedom. He didn't allow anyone or anything to get in his way. By following his own path, Prince took music to a whole other place, like the Beatles did. He wanted to change the way things were, like Marvin Gaye did. When you do that, you have to be very sure of yourself."
The annual event will also be honoring actor Samuel L. Jackson with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award. So, it's safe to say that the television channel will be making good on their promise.
