Justin Bieber

Madonna paid homage to Prince by wearing his signature color and bringing another icon — Stevie Wonder — on stage to sing the classic “Purple Rain” at Sunday's Billboard Music Awards.

Sitting atop a purple throne, Madonna kicked off the tribute with a version of “Nothing Compares 2 U,” which Prince wrote and Sinead O'Connor recorded. She was teary-eyed as she sang the song, videos and photos of Prince projected behind her.

Wonder, in a purple scarf, later joined her for “Purple Rain” as the audience at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas sang along.

Prince died on April 21 at age 57.

The Weeknd, the night's big winner with eight awards, dedicated an award to Prince and told the audience, “I love him so much. I didn't know him, but he was so close to me. He will always be an inspiration.” However, The Weeknd lost the night's big award — top artist — to Adele, who didn't attend the show because she's on tour.

Celine Dion and Kesha, both in the midst of drama in their personal lives, gave emotional performances during the three-hour show.

Dion sang Queen's “The Show Must Go On” in strong form, sporting a shiny dress and backed by a powerful orchestra. Dion lost her husband and brother in the same week in January, and her son presented her with the Billboard icon award after her performance.

Kesha sang a heart-wrenching cover of Bob Dylan's “It Ain't Me Babe,” hitting all the right notes and growing teary-eyed near the end.

She earned a standing ovation from the audience — a welcome response after the performance was initially nixed by her former mentor, Dr. Luke. The hit-making producer and his record label gave Kesha the OK to perform after she said she would not use the stage to discuss their ongoing lawsuit. They have been at odds since she accused of him of drugging, sexually abusing and emotionally tormenting her.

NEW YORK — Among winners of the 2016 Billboard Music Awards are:Top Artist: AdeleTop New Artist: Fetty WapTop Male Artist: Justin BieberTop Female Artist: AdeleTop Duo/Group: One DirectionBillboard Chart Achievement Award: RihannaTop Billboard 200 Artist: AdeleTop Hot 100 Artist: The WeekndTop Song Sales Artist: The WeekndTop Radio Songs Artist: The WeekndTop Streaming Songs Artist: The WeekndTop Social Media Artist: Justin BieberTop Touring Artist: Taylor SwiftTop R&B Artist: The WeekndTop Rap Artist: DrakeTop Country Artist: Luke BryanTop Rock Artist: twenty one pilotsTop Latin Artist: Romeo SantosTop Dance/Electronic Artist: David GuettaTop Christian Artist: Hillsong UnitedTop Gospel Artist: Kirk FranklinTop Billboard 200 Album: Adele, “25”Top Soundtrack: Pitch Perfect 2Top R&B Album: The Weeknd, “Beauty Behind The Madness”Top Rap Album: Meek Mill, “Dreams Worth More Than Money”Top Country Album: Chris Stapleton, “Traveller”Top Rock Album: twenty one pilots, “Blurryface”Top Christian Album: Lauren Daigle, “How Can It Be”Top Gospel Album: Kirk Franklin, “Losing My Religion”Top Hot 100 Song: Wiz Khalifa featuring Charlie Puth, “See You Again”Top R&B Song: The Weeknd, “The Hills”Top Rap Song: Wiz Khalifa featuring Charlie Puth, “See You Again”Top Country Song: Thomas Rhett, “Die a Happy Man”Top Rock Song: Walk the Moon, “Shut Up And Dance”Top Latin Song: Nicky Jam & Enrique Iglesias, “El Perdon”Top Christian Song: Hillsong UNITED, “Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)”Top Gospel Song: Kirk Franklin, “Wanna Be Happy?”