ST. PAUL, Minn. — Stevie Wonder and Chaka Khan had the crowd partying like it was 1999 all over again at a tribute concert to Prince, nearly six months after his death.

Khan brought Wonder onstage Thursday night at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul to duet on Prince’s “I Feel for You,” a 1984 hit for Khan. Wonder, wearing a suit and purple shirt, got the sold-out audience cheering with his signature harmonica riffs before the two performed Prince’s hit “1999,” with the crowd clapping and dancing along.

Chaka Khan and Stevie Wonder perform Thursday in St. Paul, Minn., in a concert honoring Prince who died in April. Associated Press/Jim Mone

Just before show time, a concert publicist announced that singer Christina Aguilera canceled her scheduled appearance as she fights a “vocal illness.” Singer Jessie J replaced Aguilera in the lineup.

A representative for Aguilera said she “has been advised by her doctors not to perform due to a vocal illness she has been trying to shake all week.”

Pop star John Mayer bowed out of the concert earlier, citing a “change of schedule.” Singer Anita Baker canceled her appearance just before the event, but a publicist for the show did not know the reason.

On the outdoor plaza before the concert, fans wearing purple shirts, scarves and the occasional raspberry beret milled about and some danced.

St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman read a proclamation declaring Thursday Prince Day in Minnesota’s capital.

President Obama delivered a taped message as the concert opened.

– From news service reports

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