The Weeknd gave an emotional tribute to Prince when he accepted the award for Hot 100 Artist at the Billboard Music Awards Sunday night.
The R&B artist dedicated the award to the pop icon who passed away at 57 in April.
"I want to dedicate this award to the late great Prince. Rest in peace," The Weeknd said. "I was told not long ago that his last TV appearance he had given me an award and that was the greatest experience of my entire life."
Prince's last television appearance was at the American Music Awards in November 2015, where he presented The Weeknd with the award for Best Soul/R&B Album. Prince received a standing ovation at the American Music Awards when he went onstage to present the award.
Starting to choke up, The Weeknd continued, "And you know I didn’t know him, but he was very close -- and he will always be an inspiration and of course help me push the envelope forever, and every artist I know. So thank you, Prince."
The Can't Feel My Face singer has previously cited Prince as an influence in his music and mourned the singer's death by commemorating the moment when he met Prince at the American Music Awards, saying, "I wish I could relive it every day."
