Bruno Mars wishes he never had to perform at the 2017 Grammy Awards.
At least not for the reason that caused him to take to the stage in Los Angeles on Sunday night.
But the talented superstar was chosen as the artist to pay tribute to Prince at the ceremony, several months after that legend died at the age of 57.
And Mars was clearly up to the emotional task.
One of the industry"s most successful and most respected icons, Prince had already been remembered at the Billboard Music Awards, BET Awards and the American Music Awards.
However, in all the time since his passing, fans have been curious how the Grammy Awards would honor to such a memorable and unique performer.
We got our answer on Sunday.
After The Time – the Minneapolis-based group that had a long history with the prolific superstar – opened the tribute with songs produced by Prince (“Jungle Love” and “The Bird”), Mars came out in a sequined purple jacket and ruffled shirt.
From there, he and his band put on a high-energy rendition of “Let’s Go Crazy.”
Prince tragically passed away in April after an opioid overdose at his Paisley Park compound in Minnesota.
In a rebroadcast of a 60 Minutes interview with Mars, which prior to the Grammy Awards, the young artist spoke about how he had idolized musicians such as Prince his entire life.
“They cared so much about what they wear, how they’re moving, how they’re making the audience feel,” Mars told 60 Minutes‘ Lara Logan. “They’re not phoning it in. They’re going up there to murder anyone who performs after them or performs after them."
Did Mars do his role model proud? Watch and decide for yourself:
