Madonna Silenced The Haters With Her Touching Prince Tribute

Madonna didn't match the purple one's vocal prowess, but she did give us a feeling (almost) worthy of Prince: dramatically revealing herself in a purple throne; wearing a shimmery purple suit; and white lace that harkened back to the era when he became a megastar.

"Nothing Compares 2 U" was the perfect choice of opener, and the montage of gothic, cemetery imagery flashing words including "Immortality" and "Brother" helped convey the appropriate (if a bit creepy) level of sadness.

The controversy got so intense that Billboard Awards executive producer Mark Bracoo felt compelled to release a statement: "I think everybody is entitled to their opinion... but I will say that we are honored and could not be more excited for Madonna to be on the show."

[...] she deserved to be there.

Surely Justin, Rihanna, Ariana, Britney, Pink and all the other young performers at the ceremony know they owe Prince a massive debt for his influence on their music, marketing and look.