It doesn’t take Prince too much time to make a lasting impression because, after all, he is one of the biggest music icons we have. The fact that he’s such a recluse and doesn’t engage in the media circus some celebrities thrive on makes his appearances all the more memorable.
For the second time this year, Prince has deigned to make an appearance at a major awards show, the first time being at the Golden Globes 2015 in January. It happened last night at the Grammys 2015, and though he was up on stage for only a few seconds, he managed to get everyone talking about it.
You can see the reason for that in the Vine below: Prince was there to present the award for Album of the Year, which eventually went to Beck for “Morning Phase.”
Some people on social media, Twitter in particular, were quick to point out the irony in having Prince up on stage talking about how “black lives matter” when he handed the night’s biggest award to a white guy - instead of, say, to Beyonce.
I doubt Prince’s message had anything to do with who won or who didn’t: he was there because he wanted to give a voice to a cause, to stand up for what he believed was right. He probably didn’t even know whose name he had in the envelope.
Below are some of the positive reactions Prince generated with his message, which was prompted by a series of violent acts against African-American men on part of the police. Earlier in the evening, Pharrell Williams performed a reimagined version of his hit song “Happy” and also drew attention to the issue of police brutality by doing the “Hands up, don’t shoot” pose with his backup dancers.
"Like books and black lives, albums still matter." - Prince #GRAMMYs
— People magazine (@peoplemag) February 9, 2015
prince was blunt. other artists have hinted that black lives matter but prince got up and actually said it shamelessly. beautiful.
— malcolm flex. (@audacityofDOPE_) February 9, 2015
"Albums, like books & Black lives, still matter" -Prince, only person who can wear an orange shiny outfit & get a standing ovation #GRAMMYs
— Tiffany C. Chaney (@TiffanyCChaney) February 9, 2015
Prince with performance of the night in a 5-second soundbyte. #blacklivesmatter
— jay smooth (@jsmooth995) February 9, 2015
I heard Prince just shut the #Grammys down..with one phrase #blacklivesmatter....!!!!!!!!!!!
— KayRay (@RE_invent_ED) February 9, 2015
"Albums still matter.. like books and black lives.." #Prince ... #powerful #Blacklivesmatter #GRAMMYs ...Best statment all night.
— Jotaka Eaddy (@JotakaEaddy) February 9, 2015
Prince delivers a pointed statement while presenting Album of the Year at the #Grammys. http://t.co/JvmJD7sADD pic.twitter.com/NDbER3Ep0C
— Hollywood Reporter (@THR) February 9, 2015