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BET and Twitter side-eye Madonna’s BBMA Prince tribute

pop star receives backlash for performance

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(Screenshot via Twitter)

(Screenshot via Twitter)

Madonna closed the Billboard Music Awards on Sunday with a tribute to Prince that many, including network BET, thought fell flat.

The pop star sang a rendition of “Nothing Compares 2 U” and was joined by Stevie Wonder for a duet of “Purple Rain.” Pictures of Prince were displayed on a screen behind her and the arena was lit up with purple lights. However, the tribute wasn’t enough for everyone.

After the performance, the BET Awards Twitter account expressed its condolences to fans by posting a video advertising its own Prince tribute.

“Yeah, we saw that. Don’t worry. We Got You,” the video reads.

BET seemed to echo the sentiments of other fans on Twitter.

“The #BBMAs Prince tribute is a joke. You don’t have Sheila E or the surviving members of The Revolution on there? Child, boo!” one fan tweeted. 

“They told me #Madonna’s vocal tribute to #Prince @BBMAs was sang entirely in the key of u flat. I’m glad I didn’t watch,” another fan tweeted. 

Questlove, who introduced Madonna’s performance, took to Twitter to defend the tribute.

“For starters it’s hard to accept him no longer being here. & in the upcoming award season for ’17 there will be a gang of tributes,” Questlove tweeted. “Naturally there will be folded arms & shade thrown because the Purple Standard is hard boots to fill & a lot of us don’t wanna come 2 grips.”

“So I know there is gonna be ALOT of ‘feel a certain ways’ about who you want to see do his music justice—but you gotta put that aside yall,” Questlove continued. “Every Prince rendition will not be a life changing orgasmic xperience. Just to SING his work is brave enough. Again feeling are on high.”

Details and performers for the BET Awards’ Prince tribute have not yet been released. The BET Awards air Sunday, June 26.

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PHOTOS: Amsterdam Pride Canal Parade

Annual LGBTQ celebration held in Dutch city during World Pride

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A scene from the 2026 Amsterdam Pride Canal Parade. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

Editor’s note: International News Editor Michael K. Lavers and Photo Editor Michael Key are on assignment in the Netherlands through Aug. 10.

AMSTERDAM — The 2026 Amsterdam Pride Canal Parade was held on Saturday, Aug. 1.

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key and Michael K. Lavers)

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PHOTOS: Lambda Legal in the Pines

Fundraiser held at ‘Normal Heart’ house

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A scene from the 'Lambda Legal in the Pines' fundraiser on July 25. (Photo by Santiago Felipe)

The LGBTQ organization Lambda Legal held its annual “Lambda Legal in the Pines” fundraiser on Saturday, July 25. The event was held at a house on Fire Island featured in Ryan Murphy’s 2014 HBO film, “The Normal Heart.”

Organizers say over $500,000 was raised to support Lambda Legal’s national litigation and advocacy work.

(Photos by Santiago Felipe)

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Come showcase your singing, poetry talent

Spark Social open mic night planned for Aug. 13

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Spark Social will host “Open Mic Night” on Thursday, Aug. 13 at 8 p.m. (Washington Blade file photo by Michael Key)

Spark Social will host “Open Mic Night” on Thursday, Aug. 13 at 8 p.m.

Get ready to share your talent or just kick back and enjoy some great performances. This event is a fun, laid-back vibe where everyone’s welcome to take the stage. Sign-ups are first-come, first-served, but you can also DM Spark Social on Instagram to reserve a performance spot. Whether you’re a singer, poet, or comedian, this is your chance to get on stage and share your art. More details are available on Eventbrite

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