Awards

Prince's Sister Pays Tribute to Late Singer a Year After His Last Public Appearance at AMAs

By Jackie Willis
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Prince's sister showed up on Sunday night to honor the late singer at the 2016 American Music Awards.

Prince's 1984 album Purple Rain was nominated for Top Soundtrack at the awards show after it topped the Billboard 200 following the music icon's untimely death in April at age 57.


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Tyka Nelson, Prince's younger sister, accepted the award on her brother's behalf, and couldn't help but get choked up while celebrating the acclaimed artist's life and legacy.

"Prince defied the odds. A black teen from Minneapolis with a goal to electrify the world. He had the courage to be different," Tyka shared. "With his vision and God-given talent, he is still one of the world's most respected and loved artists, but what he told me was he wanted to be known as the world's most prolific songwriter, and with 984 titles to his credit and counting, he has done just that."

"In the words of Prince, 'With love, honor and respect for every living thing in the universe, separation ceases and we all become one being singing, one song.' On behalf of Prince -- our wonderful friend, teacher and brother -- I humbly accept this award," she continued. "Me, my brother Omar, my brother Alfred, my sister Sharon, my sister Noreen, and my brother John -- we'll keep this for you at Paisley Park. Until we see you again, this is for you!"


EXCLUSIVE: Prince's Sister Tyka Nelson Says She Knew His Death Was Coming -- 'I've Been Preparing for Two Years'

On Nov. 22, 2015, Prince made his final public appearance at the AMAs and was the first presenter of the evening. "It's an absolute honor to be here to present the first award, thank you," Prince told the audience, who gave him a standing ovation. Prince then presented the Favorite Soul/R&B Album award to The Weeknd, who declared, "Make some noise for Prince, ladies and gentleman!"

At this year's AMAs, The Weeknd performed and was also nominated for Favorite Male Artist Pop/Rock, Artist of the Year and again for Favorite Male Artist Soul/R&B


EXCLUSIVE: Inside Prince's Paisley Park as the Recording Compound Becomes a Fan Museum

The tribute to Prince comes just after Paisley Park was declared a museum and opened to the public in October. Last month, ET caught up with Tyka for an exclusive look at Prince’s compound and what fans can expect when they visit, watch the video below:

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