Prince honoured at the American Music Awards

21 November 2016

Prince's sister delivered a heartfelt speech in honour of the late star at the American Music Awards on Sunday (20.11.16).

Prince pictured in 1984

Tyka Nelson, 56, collected the music legend's award for Favourite Soundtrack, which he was posthumously awarded for 1984's smash hit 'Purple Rain', at the star-studded bash held at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday (20.11.16).

Tyka spoke of the 'Kiss' singer's dreams of being "the world's most prolific songwriter" and how he achieved that in his lifetime.

Speaking of her older brother - who died of an overdose in April at the age of 57 - Tyka said: "Prince defied the odds. A black teen from Minneapolis with a goal to electrify the world, he had the courage to be different. With his vision [and] God-given talent, he is still one of the world's most respected and loved artists.

"What he told me was that he wanted to be known as the world's most prolific songwriter. And with 984 titles to his credit and counting, he has done just that.

"In the words of Prince: 'With love, honour and respect for every living thing in the universe, separation ceases, and we all become one being, singing one song.'"

And Tyka was left in tears as she reached the end of her speech, saying that she and her half-siblings - Sharon Nelson, Norrine Nelson, John R. Nelson, Alfred Jackson, and Omarr Baker - will keep the award at Prince's Paisley Park estate in memory of the iconic star.

She said: "On behalf of Prince -- our wonderful friend, teacher and brother -- I humbly accept this award. We ... will keep this for you at Paisley Park, until we see you again. This is for you."

The full American Music Awards winners list:

Artist of the Year - Ariana Grande

New Artist of the Year - Zayn Malik

Favourite Pop/Rock Female Artist - Selena Gomez

Favourite Pop/Rock Male Artist - Justin Bieber

Favourite Pop/Rock Band/Duo/Group - Twenty One Pilots

Favourite Pop/Rock Album - 'Purpose' / Justin Bieber

Favourite Soul/R&B Female Artist - Rihanna

Favourite Soul/R&B Male Artist - Chris Brown

Favourite Soul/R&B Album - 'Anti' / Rihanna

Favourite Rap/Hip-Hop Artist - Drake

Favourite Rap/Hip-Hop Album - 'Views' / Drake