It"s not easy to upstage Beyonce.
But Jennifer Hudson very nearly did it at the 2016 BET Awards.
After Queen Bey opened the event with a sterling version of "Freedom," Hudson took to the stage as one of several musicians who paid tribute to Prince with a rendition of one of his classic singles.
The former American Idol finalist, who helped honor the late singer on Broadway a day after he died in April, brought the BET Awards crowd to its feet with her version of "Purple Rain."
Decked out in a short white dress with a hood – as a nod to the outfit Prince wore at the 2005 People’s Choice Awards – the 34-year-old artist put her vocal prowess on full display, nailing hitting every note in the song from the 1984 eponymous soundtrack.
Earlier in the night, Stevie Wonder, Tori Kelly, The Roots, Erykah Badu and Bilal also paid tribute to Prince, who died at his Paisley Park estate in Minnesota on April 21.
His body was discovered in an elevator and he was pronounced dead not long after authorities arrived on the scene.
Weeks later, the official cause of death for the 57-year old was listed as an accidental fentanyl overdose.
The music industry has been in mourning ever since, but performances such as the one below at least serve to remind us of all Prince accomplished during his time on Earth.
“Jennifer Hudson tearing the ROOF OFF,” Mia Farrow Tweeted in response to this cover, while Charlamagne Tha God added:
“Jennifer Hudson be singing like the fate of the free world depends on her nailing it Everytime."
Another Twitter user chimed in with:
"A Goddess sang tonight for Prince. No one could do any better. Tears of gratitude, Soul beauty. @IAMJHUD @BET #PrinceTribute."
What else can we say?
Check out the tribute for yourself:
