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Prince shines at Madison Square Garden

Published:Tuesday | December 21, 2010 | 12:00 AM
In this October 14 photo, Prince holds a press conference at The Apollo Theater, announcing his 'Welcome 2 America' tour in New York. - ap

NEW YORK (AP)

Sherri Sheppard finally got her wish to spend the night with Prince - but she had to share him with a few other celebrities, including Spike Lee, Naomi Campbell, Jamie Foxx and her "View" co-host Whoopi Goldberg.

Prince called Sheppard and a host of other stars on stage Saturday night during his sold-out concert at Madison Square Garden. Lee played the tambourine as Alicia Keys, Jamie Foxx, Professor Cornel West, talk-show host Tavis Smiley and others danced onstage with Prince and Sheila E. to the hit A Love Bizarre.

Prince recently made a surprise appearance on the morning-TV talk show, 'The View,' that left Sheppard swooning.

Prince pretended to bolt from the stage when he mentioned Sheppard's name, but then slyly told her: "Come on, Sherri. Dance with me, please. I wanna see what you really do."

First night

The concert was part of Prince's 'Welcome 2 America' performances in the New York City area; this was his first night at the famed Garden.

Although Prince released a new album overseas this year, Saturday's concert was classic Prince. He sang memorable tunes like Kiss, 1999, Let's Go Crazy and Purple Rain - the only thing missing from the old days was the heels he used to wear. (He strutted and danced on stage in more sensible flats.)

Prince gave fans a surprise as he dusted off some of the sexier songs from his classic catalogue, including Cream, Shhh and U Got The Look.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer hadn't sung many of those songs in years since he became a Jehovah's Witness. He didn't get too wild though.

Prince has two more dates left at Madison Square Garden - one later in December and another in January. Judging from the extended standing ovation he received Saturday night, he's looking forward to coming back. As he left the stage, he quipped: "This is my house now."