Sheila E. Reveals the Prince Song That's Been The Hardest to Play Since His Death (Exclusive)
Sheila E. Talks 'Emotional' Prince Tribute Night on 'American Id…
Sheila E. Opens Up About Her Musical Relationship With Prince (E…
Gabby Barrett Talks Motherhood and New Music (Exclusive)
'Family Karma' Star Amrit Kapai Reflects on Emotional Coming Out…
Princes Harry and William Unveil Diana Statue: Royal Expert and …
Prince William Is Still 'Very Bitter' and 'Very Hurt' by Brother…
Prince George Looks Like Prince William Ahead of His 8th Birthday
Bill Cosby Released From Prison, Allison Mack Sentenced To 3 Yea…
Harry and William's Rift Will Never Be Repaired Thanks to Harry'…
Prince Harry Arrives in the U.K. Ahead of Princess Diana Statue …
Prince William, Kate Middleton and Son George Catch Up With Davi…
Prince William and Prince Harry Reunite for Unveiling of Statue …
Prince George Is England's Cutest Fan With Prince William and Ka…
Vivica A. Fox Auditioned 6 Times Before She Was Cast in ‘Indepen…
Prince Harry Delivers a Touching Speech During 2021 Diana Awards
Gwen Stefani on ‘Honeymoon Vibes’ With Husband Blake Shelton, Ka…
Kate Middleton Is All Smiles at Wimbledon
Prince William Joins Queen Elizabeth for Her First Solo Trip to …
Inside the Black Musical Capital
Eva Marcille Calls Porsha Williams’ Engagement to a Married Man …
Sheila E. wasn't ready to play it. But she told ET that she had to on Sunday's American Idol.
On a special Prince-centric episode of American Idol on Sunday, Sheila E. joined the house band to help contestants perform The Purple One's songs in an emotional appearance. Contestants performed some of Prince's biggest hits, including "Kiss," "Nothing Compares 2U," "When Doves Cry" and "Manic Monday."
But Sheila E., Prince's longtime collaborator and one-time fiancee, told ET's Lauren Zima after the show that there's one song she wasn't sure she was ready for.
Michael J. Woodard chose as his song "I Would Die 4 U," a song Sheila E. hadn't played since Prince's death in April 2016.
"Tonight was the first time I played 'I Would Die 4 U' since he passed and I said I would not play that song until I was ready," she told ET. "But because the kids were doing it, I'm like I'm gonna be a part of this next generation of kids celebrating his music."
The judges were impressed with Woodard's performance and he survived to sing another day. More importantly, Sheila E. gave her stamp of approval, saying he "sang his butt off."
Sheila E. said that she still has questions about Prince's death and that there are tragically "so many things that are left undone and unsaid."
But she said that he would have appreciated Idol's moving tribute to him.
"Oh, he would of had a great time. I mean the contestants did an incredible job," she said. "As I told them earlier, it's like you're not trying to replace, you're gonna do your own version and the purpose of this really is to continue Prince's legacy and that is his music."
American Idol airs on Sundays on ABC.
For a look at Prince's collection of unreleased music, watch the video below.
RELATED CONTENT:
Sheila E: There Will Be No Prince Hologram During Justin Timberlake's Super Bowl Halftime Show
Sheila E. 'Concerned' Prince's Death 'Will Result in Exploitation for Profit'
Related Gallery
