Prince fans weren’t impressed with John Legend’s rendition of the late artist’s song “Let’s Go Crazy” at the 2024 Democratic National Convention. Legend performed Prince’s track before Kamala Harris’ running mate Tim Walz spoke at the DNC in Chicago on Wednesday night (August 21).
Legend was joined by Prince collaborator Sheila E. and guitarist Ari O’Neal, who received rave reviews for her contributions. O’Neal reacted to the positive response to her performance on Thursday (August 22).
“Literally in tears right now,” she wrote on Instagram. “God is so good behind the stage, under the stage, one the stage: this is the energy I ALWAYS give. I love what I do, and I’m grateful for the people God has put in my life. @johnlegend thank you for being so AMAZING. You and your whole team were so incredibly kind, and welcoming. Your music as contributed so much to our culture!!! @sheilaedrummer AUNTIEEEE!!! I love you, THANK YOU for paving the way for ALL women musicians. You are a leader and my shero.”
Legend covered a Prince song to set the stage for Walz, the Governor of Minnesota. Prince, a Minneapolis native, was known for staying in his home state throughout his career.
“You might not know it, but I haven’t given a lot of big speeches like this,” Walz told the DNC crowd. “But I have given a lot of pep talks. So let me finish with this, team. It’s the fourth quarter. We’re down a field goal. But we’re on offense and we’ve got the ball. We’re driving down the field. And boy, do we have the right team. Kamala Harris is tough. Kamala Harris is experienced. And Kamala Harris is ready.”
Check out some of the reactions to Legend’s Prince cover below.
john legend is doing let’s go crazy…i am bothered pic.twitter.com/ZFkgFH3D13
— tay 💫 (@szassolarpanel) August 22, 2024
Shelia E.? OK.
That guitarist? 🔥
John Legend singing Prince…#DNC pic.twitter.com/cUKePcVZYy— I am She, Elle est Moi, Mwen La 🌺💃🏾 (@tresbienne) August 22, 2024
Oh Prince is definitely side-eyeing John Legend from heaven right now….. pic.twitter.com/EjUj0XnqLQ
— KiLLA 🏁♓️ (@inCAMnito) August 22, 2024
I don’t want to hear John Legend sing Prince songs.
— SHAYTRANADA (@BiblioShay) August 22, 2024
John Legend is doing a cover of Let’s Go Crazy!?! #DNC2024 #DNC2024CHICAGO pic.twitter.com/VisigGNBDq
— HuskyPolloPescetarian (@HuskyBro_Inc) August 22, 2024
How did John Legend turn “Let’s Go Crazy” into an old Negrro spiritual???? #DNC2024
— Aisha Khalilah Staggers (@AishaStaggers) August 22, 2024
Ok, Sheila E. is there, but John Legend’s vocals don’t fit Prince songs AT ALL. 🫤 Don’t ever do that s### again. #DNC https://t.co/CEpnY2WIBb
— ♦♠♥♣LunarSkye♣♥♠♦ (@LunarSkye) August 22, 2024
Why is John Legend’s boring ass singing Prince
— Fleabagg$ (@deejaybaggs) August 22, 2024
They almost had it last night. Forever love and affinity to the legend, Sheila E.
John Legend has been a lifelong advocate for Democrats, so I get why they called.
But, sir. If you ever church holler over a Prince guitar solo again.
Skip the call next time, John. https://t.co/LKSotV5MnR pic.twitter.com/5m21ejbdC3
— Born Again Hooligan (@qlynngreen) August 22, 2024
Sheila E is a legend but John Legend doing Prince definitely ain’t it
— Justin Sherin (@wychstreet) August 22, 2024
