John Legend Faces Backlash for “Let’s Go Crazy” Performance at DNC Tribute to Prince

• Event Context: The performance took place during the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in 2020, which was held virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of the event, there was a tribute to Prince, the legendary musician who passed away in 2016. John Legend, a prominent musician and supporter of the Democratic Party, was invited to perform Prince’s hit song “Let’s Go Crazy.”
• Performance Details: John Legend performed “Let’s Go Crazy” along with the artist Sheila E., who was a close collaborator with Prince. The performance aimed to energize viewers and celebrate Prince’s music, aligning with the supposed DNC’s themes of unity and change. Democrats are not able to get attention without their music and Hollywood stars. Kamala is headed for a massive defeat at the hands of Trump.

Grammy-winning artist John Legend faced a wave of criticism following his performance of Prince’s iconic “Let’s Go Crazy” at the Democratic National Convention. What was meant to honor the legendary musician instead sparked widespread disappointment among fans.

Legend, 45, took the stage at the United Center alongside Sheila E., a musician with deep ties to Prince, just before Minnesota Governor Tim Walz delivered his address. But instead of capturing the energy and spirit of the 1984 classic, Legend’s version fell flat, leaving many fans underwhelmed.

John Legend practicing a rendition of Prince’s “Let’s Go Crazy” in the United Center ahead of his performance at the #DNC tonight. pic.twitter.com/vL9a9cBp7x

— Rachel Hale (@rachelleighhale) August 21, 2024

Prince’s loyal followers, ever protective of his legacy, didn’t hold back. Social media quickly lit up with reactions, one of the most direct being, “Who thought John Legend was the right choice for ‘Let’s Go Crazy’? Sheila E. and that guitarist were the only ones bringing the fire!” Others questioned why Legend was chosen at all, with comments like, “I don’t want to hear John Legend sing Prince songs,” and, “Why pick @johnlegend for a Prince song? He can’t hit the notes, and he lacks the vibe. It’s disrespectful to Prince’s legacy.”

Even humor found its way into the criticism, with one fan posting a gif of Logan Roy from HBO’s “Succession,” captioned, “Prince in heaven watching John Legend’s tribute,” highlighting the sentiment that the performance didn’t live up to expectations.

“Let’s Go Crazy” is more than just a hit song; it’s a declaration of individuality and energy, a track that remains one of Prince’s most celebrated works. Performing it in Minnesota, Prince’s home state, only added to the pressure to deliver something special. For many, Legend’s performance didn’t meet the high bar set by the original.

DNC: John Legend is NO Prince! He just destroyed “Let’s Go Crazy!” How in the hell did Prince’s estate ever let this happen. Prince has to be rolling over in whatever AfterWorld he left us for. Tragic.#Prince @johnlegend pic.twitter.com/aj9oaWuOKn

— John Cremeans USA (@JohnCremeansUSA) August 22, 2024

Sheila E., 66, brought her usual passion and expertise to the stage, a reminder of her long collaboration with Prince. However, even her performance couldn’t fully offset the disappointment felt by many.

Earlier in the day, Legend had spoken highly of Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris, calling her a “smart, charismatic, and empathetic” leader, ready to guide the country. His words were meant to uplift and inspire, but by the end of the night, it was his tribute to Prince that dominated the conversation, and not for the reasons he likely intended.

Artist John Legend on stage at DNC doing sound checks for a performance of Prince’s “Let’s Go Crazy” pic.twitter.com/vCYz4hsMKJ

— John Croman (@JohnCroman) August 21, 2024

Despite a lineup that included other big names like Patti LaBelle, Jason Isbell, Mickey Guyton, and Lil Jon, it was Legend’s attempt to honor Prince that became the night’s focal point. Unfortunately, it left fans reflecting on the gap between the tribute and the legacy it sought to celebrate.

More details

• Backlash and Criticism: The performance received significant backlash from Prince’s fans and some commentators. Critics argued that the performance was inappropriate because it was used in a political context, something Prince himself had been known to avoid. Prince was famously apolitical and had stated in interviews that he did not want his music associated with any political party or event.
• Prince’s Estate Reaction: Prince’s estate also weighed in on the controversy, expressing disapproval of the use of his music for political purposes. The estate released a statement emphasizing that Prince never wanted his music to be used in political campaigns and that they had not authorized the performance.
• John Legend’s Response: John Legend did not initially respond publicly to the backlash. However, some fans defended him, arguing that his performance was a tribute to Prince’s legacy and was intended to celebrate his music rather than politicize it.
• Historical Context: The controversy highlighted the ongoing tension between artists’ intentions and the use of their music in political contexts. Prince, throughout his career, was very protective of his music and had taken steps to control its use. This incident reignited discussions about respecting artists’ wishes posthumously, especially regarding their work’s use in political or commercial settings.
• Public Reaction: The reaction to the performance was mixed. While some viewers enjoyed the tribute and saw it as a way to honor Prince’s influence, others felt that it was disrespectful to his legacy and preferences. The backlash also fueled broader conversations about how deceased artists’ works should be handled and the importance of honoring their wishes.

Major Points

• Grammy-winning artist John Legend’s performance of Prince’s iconic “Let’s Go Crazy” at the Democratic National Convention received widespread criticism from fans, who felt it fell short of honoring the legendary musician’s legacy.
• Legend, joined by Sheila E., performed the song in Prince’s home state of Minnesota, adding pressure to deliver a powerful tribute that many felt was unmet.
• Fans took to social media to express their disappointment, questioning Legend’s suitability for the song and suggesting his performance lacked the energy and spirit that defined the original.
• Sheila E.’s passionate performance couldn’t fully counteract the overall disappointment, leaving many to reflect on the tribute’s shortcomings.
• Legend’s performance, intended as a highlight of the night, became a focal point of criticism, overshadowing the positive messages and other performances during the event.

Kirk Volo – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News