9 Times Artists Melted Our Hearts By Performing Tributes To Their Musical Heroes
It's always a spectacle to watch our favorite entertainers tribute their own musical idols. Just take a look at Ciara, Jason Derulo and Tinashe. On Sunday, the trio took to the 2015 BET Awards to perform a dance-tastic medley of some of Janet Jackson's biggest hits, and it was everything. Plus, who doesn’t love to see musicians geek out and basically one-up our own shower time serenade to the greats?
In light of the performance, VH1 has rounded up some of our favorite superstar tributes, and it's quite the trip down memory lane.
Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera and Missy Elliot Honor Madonna (2003)
In what is infamously referred to as "the kiss," MTV thought it'd be a good idea if pop's hottest princesses dressed as retro Madge, locked lips with the queen and surprised the hell out of everyone with a "Like A Virgin"/"Hollywood" medley in honor of Madonna's original scandalous floor-humping performance from the 1984 VMAs. Mission accomplished.
Teairra Mari, Rihanna and Amerie Honor Destiny's Child (2005)
Believe it or not, there was a time when Rihanna performed a tribute for Beyoncé. However, when I say Rihanna, I mean Riri alongside Teairra Mari and Amerie, and when I say Beyoncé, I mean Destiny’s Child. Look at them youngins paying respect to one of the greatest girl groups of all time. We all know who won the battle of relevancy amongst the three.
Christina Aguilera Honors James Brown (2007)
Christina Aguilera has some tremendous soul and that couldn't be more evident after watching her tribute performance to the late James Brown with a cover of “It's A Man’s World.” Go ahead and saaaang, Xtina.
Beyoncé Honor Tina Turner (2008)
Bey turned it up at the 2008 Grammy Awards with one high-energy performance of "Proud Mary" alongside Tina Turner. It’s basically five minutes of sass, soul and a lot of shaking, naturally.
Janet Jackson Honors Michael Jackson (2009)
Just two months after the King of Pop passed away, Janet Jackson took to the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards to perform an absolutely effortless tribute to MJ. After dancers paid homage to several of his iconic routines, Miss Jackson took the stage to meticulous match the 1995 video choreography while her brother looked down on her from the big screen—and from the heavens above, we’d like to think.
Bruno Mars Honors Amy Winehouse (2011)
Nailing a tribute to the late Amy Winehouse isn’t an obtainable feat, but Bruno Mars glided with ease as he offered an energetic cover of “Valerie” at the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards. Pitch perfect, Bruno!
Jennifer Hudson Honors Whitney Houston (2012)
Whitney Houston passed away on the eve of the 54th annual Grammy Awards, leaving the folks behind the production with minimal time to put together an unforgettable tribute to the diva. Thankfully, Jennifer Hudson was ready and willing to churn out her best rendition of “I Will Always Love You.” It wasn’t a loud knock-off rendition, but instead a powerful and raw homage from someone who adored the icon just the rest of us.
Usher Honors Stevie Wonder (2015)
Ursh has unparalleled dance skills, but he put his vocal chops on the front line for a cover of Stevie Wonder's "If It's Magic" earlier this year as the legend himself played the harmonica. Sometimes it’s all about simplicity.
Jennifer Lopez Honors Selena (2015)
Jennifer Lopez is synonymous with the name Selena, and the pop titan proved why she deserved all the success from her critically acclaimed biopic on the late Mexican starlet with her 2015 Latin Billboard Awards performance. Alongside the singer’s family band, La Lopez dashed out a medley of "Como La Flor," "Bidi Bidi Bom Bom," "Amor Prohibido," "I Could Fall in Love," "No Me Queda Mas,” and it was simply perfect.