John Legend’s rendition of Prince’s big hit song at the DNC was criticized by fans for being “lacklustre.” On the other hand, “Ms Fender” and Sheila E were praised as rock stars.
Following a lackluster performance at the Democratic National Convention on Wednesday, August 21, John Legend faced intense criticism. The Grammy winner entered the stage to play “Let’s Go Crazy,” a song by rock and roll legend Prince. Just before Minnesota Governor Tim Walz addressed the electorate at the United Center, he stole the music scene, belting out the notes to the iconic ’80s hit with Sheila E.
Fans were unimpressed with John’s rendition of the iconic song and his performance, which undoubtedly fell short of legendary status. They were also unable to accept that the “Purple Rain” singer’s reputation had been compromised.
Internet reacts to John Legend’s Prince tribute at DNC
Some others expressed their smoldering rage on social media, loudly and clearly voicing their displeasure with Legend. A user on X, previously Twitter, took exception to the choice of the “All of Me” singer as the ostensibly “perfect pick to perform Let’s Go Crazy,” writing, “Don’t do that sh*t again.” The other performers were praised, “Sheila E and that guitarist alone was fire!” they said, while Legend bore the brunt of their hatred.
Prince in heaven seeing John Legend tribute him#DNC2024 #DNC
— Kenny (@kennysroys) August 22, 2024
pic.twitter.com/F6HmRvfGDv
The Grammy winner came under fire on social media from another critic who said she couldn’t reach the correct notes. He doesn’t seem to connect. Really, people, just shut up now. This is such an affront to Prince’s legacy. EMBRACE SOME RESPECT,” they continued.
Four users were critical of the Legend in a more subdued manner than the rest, who were all too eager to criticize him directly. Because it didn’t suit his voice or style, I didn’t like how John Legend sang this song. However, Sheila E is always (three fire emojis).
“First album John Legend could do this better, he’s too much of a crooner now,” a fan commented in the meanwhile. The remark “He would’ve hated it (purple heart emoji)” was made by an apparent Prince admirer. The same person added in a follow-up remark, “Legend lacks the energy to do Prince credit. To do Prince, you have to be an oddball little freak like Prince—you don’t have to be a Prince-like person.
Legend did fine and major points for having Sheila E. there, but would it have killed him to wear even a lick of purple https://t.co/Ro5bu0OC8Q
— AK Lingus (@aklingus) August 22, 2024
Guitarist Ari O’Neal hailed as the bigger star onstage during John Legend performance
Guitarist Ari O’Neal, also known as “Ms. Fender” on social media, seems to have established a sizable fan base following her DNC performance, in contrast to the comments made about John.
Ok, so we are all agreed that we all need to know her name so we can become a part of her army. Right? RIGHT??? #DNC2024 pic.twitter.com/oDHokrwvdd
— W. Kamau Bell (@wkamaubell) August 22, 2024
A user on X said, “Guitarist Ari O’Neal has acquired a new admirer. Sheeeeeeeeeeesh. “The guitar player: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ out of five,” commented a second admirer.
The renowned and highly regarded artist was born in Minnesota and passed away in the Land of 10,000 Lakes in 2016. John Legend sang a rendition of Prince’s song at the DNC on Wednesday. The song was first included on the 1984 album “Purple Rain” and is regarded as one of the late singer’s most iconic successes. Sheila E, a singer from California and a close friend and partner of Prince, will be performing with Legend on stage.
Legend has been a vocal backer of Kamala Harris’s candidacy this year, but with his Prince homage on Wednesday, it appears that he alienated a lot of music lovers.
