If there’s anything new and old school fans of Dionne Warwick know, it’s that she doesn’t bite her tongue.
Just two years ago, that very outspokenness landed the music legend in hot water with critics after she took to press to say Beyonce was not an icon (as we reported here). This week, she’s back in the same territory for sharing a controversial opinion about two other beloved R&B/Pop songstresses: Mariah Carey and Toni Braxton.
See what she said that has the singers’ beloved fan groups – #Lambs and #ToniTigers respectively – in an uproar:
Start at the 1:41 mark:
Taking to our friends at TrueExclusives earlier this week (as seen above), the 80-year-old – one of music history’s most revered female songstresses – was quizzed on who she thought could follow in her legendary footsteps (namely among 90’s divas). When asked about the likes of GRAMMY winners Mary J. Blige and Brandy, Warwick said both had what it takes to become icons – praising the former for her growth and the latter for her amazing vocals and talent.
When quizzed about Mariah Carey’s iconic status, however, Dionne – after hesitation – revealed:
“I don’t know. I don’t know her that well. I love her music. She writes incredibly well. ‘Hero’ happens to be one of my favorite songs that she wrote. I’d have to give that one thought.”
The name “Toni Braxton” evoked a similar response from the ‘Walk on By’ singer.
“I don’t know. I don’t know if that’s something that Toni would want; if that where she feels she’s heading. I think she’s enjoying her status as a recording artist. I enjoy watching and hearing her. I don’t know if it’s something she wishes to accomplish or not. That’s another one I’ll have to give thought to.”
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Needless to say, Carey and Braxton fans erupted in the comments of the video. Where do you stand on Warwick’s statements?