John Legend slammed over Prince ‘Let’s Go Crazy’ tribute performance at DNC: ‘What an insult’
Not the Legend-ary performance fans hoped for.
Grammy winner John Legend disappointed fans with his lackluster cover of Prince’s “Let’s Go Crazy” at the Democratic National Convention on Wednesday night.
Legend, 45, took the stage alongside musician Sheila E. moments before Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz delivered his first major address to voters at the United Center.
However, Legend’s rendition of the ’80s hit was less than impressive, and some fans of the late “Purple Rain” artist quickly let their opinions be heard on social media.
“Who the hell decided that John Legend was the perfect pick to perform Let’s Go Crazy? Don’t do that s–t again. Sheila E. and that guitarist alone was fire!” one X user posted.
“I don’t want to hear John Legend sing Prince songs,” another posted.
“Why did they choose @johnlegend to perform a Prince song??? He can’t hit the notes and he has no vibe. What an insult to Prince’s legacy, honestly people, leave it alone already. HAVE SOME RESPECT,” wrote another upset Prince fan.
“Prince in heaven seeing John Legend’s tribute to him,” another posted, sharing a gif of Logan Roy from HBO’s “Succession” appearing unimpressed.
“Let’s Go Crazy” was a top song off Prince and The Revolution’s 1984 album “Purple Rain” and is considered one of the musician’s most successful hits — and spent two weeks as the number one hit on Billboard’s Hot 100.
Prince, a cherished son of Minnesota, was born and raised in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. The award-winning singer died in his home state in 2016.
California singer and drummer Sheila E., 66, is a longtime friend and collaborator of Prince.
Legend has been an outspoken supporter of Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris and Walz’s bid for the White House.
Hours before he performed on stage, the “All of Me” singer called Harris a “smart, charismatic and empathetic” pick more than qualified to become commander-in-chief.
“She is eminently qualified to be president,” Legend told “CBS Mornings.”
“And then she also has the right character traits, I think, to be a great president, which means she cares about people’s lives, wants government to work for people and improve their lives,” he said.
Legend was among the many high-profile artists — including Patti LaBelle, Jason Isbell, Mickey Guyton and Lil Jon — to perform at the DNC.
