Prince to be honoured at Billboard Music Awards

PRINCE will become the third recipient of the Icon Award at this year’s Billboard Music Awards, joining Stevie Wonder and Neil Diamond.

The ceremony is seen as one of the most prestigious in the world behind the Grammys, and it will honour the ‘Purple Rain’ pop star at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on May 19.

Prince, 54, will mark the occasion with a rare live televised performance on the show, which will be produced by Don Mischer.

The legendary musician will become only the third artist to be honoured with the award, joining inaugural winner Neil Diamond (2011) and last year’s recipient Stevie Wonder.

Before the ‘Superstition’ singer was presented, he was joined by Alicia Keys for a set featuring ‘Higher Ground’ and ‘Overjoyed’, and a stripped-down version of ‘Empire State of Mind’, Alicia’s hit with Jay-Z. (BANG!)