John Legend’s Prince magazine cover at the 2024 Democratic National Convention has received backlash from fans.
In honor of Prince and Democratic vice presidential candidate Tim Walz, both of whom are originally from Minnesota, Legend performed the late artist’s song “Let’s Go Crazy” during his performance Wednesday night.
As the music began, Sheila E, the late music icon’s longtime collaborator, left her spot behind the piano and joined Legend at the front of the stage.
Legend and Sheila sway and sing together while a group of dancers perform in the background.
However, the singer’s performance of the classic 80s hit “All of Me” received negative reviews from fans of the iconic “Purple Rain” singer, and they wasted no time in sharing their thoughts on various social media platforms.
“Why did they pick John Legend to perform a Prince song??? He can’t hit a note and has no emotion. It’s an insult to Prince’s legacy, honestly people should leave him alone. GIVE SOME RESPECT,” @TheeChristyD wrote on X.
User @RelyOnTodd wrote of the EGOT winner, “Oh John Legend, you just embarrassed Prince. Hey man, man, man……really? #disgrace.”
“John Legend slaughtered our late Prince at the #DNC,” @APoseADay tweeted, along with two crying emojis.
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@LBeatha suggests: “If they’re going to do a Prince tribute, they should do one with HER and Sheila E. John Legend is a balladeer and needs to continue to pursue his style.”
“Who decided John Legend was the perfect choice to sing ‘Let’s Go Crazy’?” @___bjw___ asked. “Don’t do that again. Sheila E. and that guitarist alone are great!”
Another angry fan, @GydaRagnarsdot1, demanded, “John Legend trying to cover up Prince should end his career.”
“It’s horrible, my ear hurts so much,” she added.
“Let’s Go Crazy”, a chart-topping track from Prince and The Revolution’s 1984 album “Purple Rain”, shot to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and remained at the top for two weeks.
In addition to Legend and Sheila E., other artists performing Wednesday night include Stevie Wonder and Maren Morris.
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John Legend, Prince Card