Prince honoured at the American Music Awards
Prince’s sister delivered a heartfelt speech in honour of the late star at the American Music Awards on Sunday (20.11.16).
Tyka Nelson, 56, collected the music legend’s award for Favourite Soundtrack, which he was posthumously awarded for 1984’s smash hit ‘Purple Rain’, at the star-studded bash held at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday (20.11.16).
Tyka spoke of the ‘Kiss’ singer’s dreams of being "the world’s most prolific songwriter" and how he achieved that in his lifetime.
Speaking of her older brother – who died of an overdose in April at the age of 57 – Tyka said: "Prince defied the odds. A black teen from Minneapolis with a goal to electrify the world, he had the courage to be different. With his vision [and] God-given talent, he is still one of the world’s most respected and loved artists.
"What he told me was that 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, honour and respect for every living thing in the universe, separation ceases, and we all become one being, singing one song.’"
And Tyka was left in tears as she reached the end of her speech, saying that she and her half-siblings – Sharon Nelson, Norrine Nelson, John R. Nelson, Alfred Jackson, and Omarr Baker – will keep the award at Prince’s Paisley Park estate in memory of the iconic star.
She said: "On behalf of Prince — our wonderful friend, teacher and brother — I humbly accept this award. We … will keep this for you at Paisley Park, until we see you again. This is for you."
The full American Music Awards winners list:
Artist of the Year – Ariana Grande
New Artist of the Year – Zayn Malik
Favourite Pop/Rock Female Artist – Selena Gomez
Favourite Pop/Rock Male Artist – Justin Bieber
Favourite Pop/Rock Band/Duo/Group – Twenty One Pilots
Favourite Pop/Rock Album – ‘Purpose’ / Justin Bieber
Favourite Soul/R&B Female Artist – Rihanna
Favourite Soul/R&B Male Artist – Chris Brown
Favourite Soul/R&B Album – ‘Anti’ / Rihanna
Favourite Rap/Hip-Hop Artist – Drake
Favourite Rap/Hip-Hop Album – ‘Views’ / Drake
Favourite Latin Artist – Enrique Inglesias
Favourite Country Male Artist – Blake Shelton
Favourite Country Female Artist – Carrie Underwood
Favourite Country Band/Duo/Group – Florida Georgia Line
Favourite Country Album – ‘Storyteller’ / Carrie Underwood
Favourite Soundtrack – ‘Purple Rain’ / Prince
Favourite Adult Contemporary Artist – Adele
Favourite Alternative Artist – Twenty One Pilots
Favourite Electronic Dance Music Artist – The Chainsmokers
Favourite Contemporary Inspirational Artist – Hillsong United
Merit Award – Sting
Collab of the Year – ‘Work from Home’ / Fifth Harmony ft. Ty Dolla Sign
Favourite Country Song – ‘Humble and Kind’ / Tim McGraw
Favourite Pop/Rock Song – ‘Love Yourself’ / Justin Bieber
Favourite Soul/R&B Song – ‘Work’ / Rihanna ft. Drake
Favourite Rap/Hip-Hop Song – ‘Hotline Bling’ / Drake
Video of the Year – ‘Sorry’ / Justin Bieber
Tour of the Year – ‘The Formation World Tour’ / Beyoncé
