'Let's Go Crazy: The Grammy Salute to Prince': Maya Rudolph and Mavis Staples bring down the roof down at tribute
'Let's Go Crazy: The Grammy Salute to Prince', the star-studded concert special paid homage to a gigantic musical icon, Prince, celebrating his decade-spanning career and legacy. Actress and comedian Maya Rudolph hosted the show but she also proved she could set the stage ablaze musically as well.
We saw performances from the likes of Usher, Alicia Keys, Chris Martin and more and it turned out to be a smash of a concert. Comedian and actor Fred Armisen introduced Rudolph's performance where she joined former Prince band The Revolution with her Prince cover band Princess. Much to the amazement of her audience, Rudolph showcased an amazing set of vocal chops and delivered a firey rendition of 'Delirious' from The Prince of Funk's 1982 album, '1999'. Rudolph screamed, "Somebody, call me a doctor", pulling some funky moves alongside friend and co-vocalist Gretchen Lieberum before belting out the famous chorus, "Because I get delirious. Delirious. Delirious."
Fans were astonished by Rudolph and the Princess's performance. "princess performing prince's delirious #Prince #Prince4Ever i love you so much @MayaRudolph your voice is amazing and this tribute was beautiful (sic)" wrote a fan while another said Princess should be touring again. One fan says, "Delirious is the perfect song for 'Princess' @MayaRudolph and @therevolution!! (sic)". Another shares, "Just when I thought that I am done @MayaRudolph comes out and almost steals the whole show. #MayaRudolph should be a host of everything in sight."
Following the fired-up performance of Princess & The Revolution, Mavis Staples performed a gloriously epic performance of Prince's biggest hit, 'Purple Rain', the title track from the 1984 eponymous studio album. On the opening of the song Staples sang a smooth gospel-tinged performance and the audience were hushed before they couldn't hold back their cheers when she sang the iconic chorus. The Revolution guitarist Wendy Melvoin broke out in a wicked solo before the song's nuclear end as the crowd roared in cheer.
Fans were in equal cheer on Twitter for their performance. "She was fantastic. Perfect person to sing Purple Rain. The WHOLE production was phenomenal! Prince would have been proud" wrote a fan. One fan said Staples performance pulled on their heartstrings while another shares, "If I could be quarantined with absolutely anyone, I might pick Mavis Staples." One fan also commented on the Melvoin guitar solo, saying, "#Wendy almost made me cry over the guitar solo. The memories I could feel. Love for you Wendy. Prince we love and miss you. Oh the feel good from this."