Alicia Keys Tributes Prince At Tribeca Film Festival: 'We Lost Someone Very Special'

Alicia Keys hits the stage to perform during the 2016 Tribeca Film Festival at Highline Ballroom on Thursday (April 21) in New York City.

The 35-year-old singer, who was promoting the release of her new short film The Gospel, paid tribute to the late Prince following her performance of new songs from her forthcoming album.

“We lost someone very special,” Alicia said onstage (via Billboard). “Prince showed me what it means to be an artist…how to be bold and brazen.”

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The legendary entertainer passed away earlier in the day at the age of 57 and it is alleged that he may have been treated for a drug overdose just days earlier.

“Prince was a gift, a genius and a reminder that we have no limits,” Alicia wrote on her Instagram post. “Perhaps the most tremendous thing Prince showed us is how music can be the closest expression of freedom. His songs defied all the rules and taught us to let go of boundaries placed on us by the world and by each other. The only person who can keep chains around us and box us up is ourselves. He never gave in. I’m grateful for his example. I’m that much more free because of Prince.”

“I hope he’s found his place where he can create endless magic, mystery and music forever,” Alicia added. “The power in his songs moved me always. His music left me changed forever. I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again, there is only one Prince.”

Watch Alicia‘s remarks below from when she inducted Prince into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2004!