Patti LaBelle Honors Tina Turner at BET Awards 2023 Despite Lyrics Flub
During the 2023 BET Awards, Patti LaBelle delivered a heartfelt tribute to the late Tina Turner, showcasing her rendition of Turner’s 1989 hit “Simply the Best.” While performing, LaBelle encountered difficulty reading the song’s lyrics from the teleprompter, requiring her to improvise. She candidly expressed her struggle, saying, “Oh Lord, whatever, I can’t see the words, I don’t know. I’m trying, y’all!” To witness some of the performance, head to Twitter.
Addressing LaBelle’s performance, a BET spokesperson shared with The Hollywood Reporter:
“We had the extraordinary privilege of honoring Ms. Tina Turner’s life and legacy at the BET Awards 2023. Having the incomparable Ms. Patti LaBelle grace our stage to pay homage to one of her contemporaries was an equal privilege. Due to the overwhelming enthusiasm of the crowd, the teleprompter obstructed Ms. LaBelle’s view of the lyrics. Nevertheless, we are immensely grateful to Ms. LaBelle for sharing her incredible talent during this moment.”
Prior to her BET Awards performance, LaBelle expressed her admiration for Tina Turner in an interview with Rolling Stone. She said, “Tina was a trailblazer and someone I have tremendous respect for because of all she overcame and accomplished.” LaBelle continued, “She was and still is everything! I feel honored to be able to pay tribute to her in this manner.”
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Throughout 2023, Patti LaBelle has been touring extensively. In late last year, one of her concerts in Milwaukee had to be evacuated due to a bomb threat. Additionally, in 2020, she engaged in a Verzuz battle with Gladys Knight.
Tina Turner passed away in May at the age of 83. Numerous musicians, including Beyoncé, Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones, Mariah Carey, Janelle Monáe, Lizzo, and Karen O of Yeah Yeah Yeahs, have paid tribute to the Rock & Roll Hall of Famer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Tina Turner tribute
Q: What song did Patti LaBelle perform as a tribute to Tina Turner at the 2023 BET Awards?
A: Patti LaBelle performed Tina Turner’s 1989 hit “Simply the Best” as a tribute at the 2023 BET Awards.
Q: Why did Patti LaBelle have trouble reading the lyrics during her performance?
A: Patti LaBelle encountered difficulty reading the song’s lyrics from the teleprompter due to the crowd’s enthusiasm obstructing her view.
Q: How did Patti LaBelle react to the lyrics flub during her performance?
A: Patti LaBelle candidly expressed her struggle, saying, “Oh Lord, whatever, I can’t see the words, I don’t know. I’m trying, y’all!”
Q: What did the BET spokesperson say about Patti LaBelle’s performance?
A: The BET spokesperson expressed gratitude to Patti LaBelle for lending her incredible talent despite the teleprompter issue, stating it was an honor to have her pay tribute to Tina Turner.
Q: Who else has paid tribute to Tina Turner since her passing?
A: Many musicians, including Beyoncé, Mick Jagger, Mariah Carey, Janelle Monáe, Lizzo, and Karen O, have paid tribute to the Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Tina Turner.
More about Tina Turner tribute
- Watch Patti LaBelle’s Tribute Performance at BET Awards 2023
- Rolling Stone Interview with Patti LaBelle
- BET Awards Official Website
- Tina Turner’s Biography on Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
