Ellen DeGeneres Pays Tribute to Prince, Relives 2003 Performance of ‘Kiss’

Ellen explains his agreement to show up was a big deal to her because celebrities back then usually waited to judge the success of a show before coming on.
4/26/2016
Updated:
4/26/2016

As many talk show hosts have already done, Ellen DeGeneres paid tribute to the late pop-icon Prince on ‘The Ellen Show,’ on April 26.

Before replaying her 2003 interview and his performance of “Kiss,” Ellen explains that Prince’s agreement to show up was a big deal to her because celebrities would usually wait to judge the success of a show before coming on. 

“Of all the bands and artists that I’ve had on the show, there was no one like Prince,” Ellen said as she introduced the segment. “He was an artist, he was an icon, a genius, and he was kind enough to appear on my show in the very first season in 2003.”

After a long standing ovation when Prince walked on stage, Ellen told him he was sexy and then asked him if he ever wore shorts.

Prince said no. 

Prince took the stage after a short conversation and sang an electric version of “Kiss,” while pulling crowd members up to the stage dance.