How many late-night hosts quote Prince while holding an Emmy? Stephen Colbert did, and it stopped the room cold. He opened with “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to celebrate a thing called life,” giving one of the most electric acceptance speeches of the night. It felt like the kind of moment that makes everyone lean in a little closer.
Colbert said the idea came from his wife, who told him to end his speech with that line from Prince’s “Let’s Go Crazy.” It was playful but also heartfelt, a way of saying the win belonged to everyone who helped make the show what it is. Colbert stressed that the award was for his entire team and even called his executive producer onstage to share.
Why Stephen Colbert Quoted Prince in Emmys Speech After Late Show Cancelation (Exclusive)
Fans loved seeing that moment of togetherness. One viewer said it was one of the realest moments they had ever seen in Hollywood. Another called the standing applause “the loudest they had ever heard in that room.” It was not just a win for Colbert, it was a win for late-night TV as a whole.
That moment of gratitude felt like the right bridge to talk about Prince himself, the man Colbert quoted. Prince was more than a pop star; he was a cultural force. His music crossed genres, and he made mystery part of his persona. Even years after his passing, fans still feel his presence in moments like this, when a simple lyric can light up an entire award show.
Prince’s legacy
Prince’s story is about fearless creativity. He wrote, produced and performed at a level few could match, and he did it without ever losing control of who he was. Music journalists still talk about how kind he was in person and how focused he was on the art itself. Fans remember him as the artist who could make rock, funk and soul all feel like part of one universe.
Prince music still pushes people to be bold, joyful, and unapologetic. That is why moments like Colbert’s speech matter, they keep the energy alive. Follow Prince on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. Keep listening, because every song reminds us why his voice still matters.