The 52-year-old Minneapolis native was feted Sunday night at the BET Awards in the Los Angeles with an all-female musical tribute.In a purple button-up, black slacks and vest, Trey sang his recent hit "Yo Side of the Bed" atop a stage bathed in purple lights. The track's video, featuring Keri Hilson as a military officer and Trey as her mourning husband after she's killed in the line of duty, played in the background on large screens. During the performance, Trey gave a shout-out to all who've lost a special someone.
Janelle Monae offered an energetic take on "Let's Go Crazy." Jazz musician Esperanza Spalding accompanied herself on standup bass for "If I Was Your Girlfriend." Alicia Keys started behind the piano, then climbed on top of it, when she sang "Adore," and Patti LaBelle kicked off her shoes to give her all to "Purple Rain."
The singer then launched into the first verse of Prince's 1984 classic "Purple Rain" from the film of the same name. As Trey strained to hit falsetto notes almost on his knees, the camera cut to Prince himself seated in the audience looking on.
"We are humbled that Prince will be our lifetime achievement award recipient," said Stephen G. Hill, President of Programming, Music and Specials. "Genre smasher, virtuoso musician, one of the most emotional singers of all time; words are too weak to describe just what he means to our culture. We have a different kind of tribute planned for him as his unique style deserves a unique honor. Prince is dynamic. Prince is genius. Prince is music."
Earlier in the evening, the Virginia native won the award for Best Male R&B Artist and brought his mother onstage with him to accept his trophy. Following the awards show, BET will debut Trey's documentary "My Moment," which follows the singer during Jay-Z's recent Blueprint 3 Tour.
Prince started recording in 1977 and has 10 platinum albums and 30 Top 40 singles to his name.
