When it comes to award show tributes, few can boast as many jaw-dropping performances as Patti LaBelle.
Having delivered some of the format’s most memorable honors to the likes of Aretha Franklin, Destiny’s Child, Mariah Carey, and more over the years, the Godmother of Soul has often been considered a “go-to” for a “bringing down the house”-style nod to some of music’s biggest names.
As such, it was no surprise the 79-year-old was called on to deliver the highly anticipated tribute to Tina Turner at the BET Awards on Sunday night (June 25).
By showtime, however, LaBelle’s ‘awkward’ rendition of Turner’s classic ‘The Best’ had viewers wondering if she was the best choice for the job.
See what we mean inside.
Patti LaBelle says she can’t see the words #BETAwards pic.twitter.com/DGu6SksytF
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) June 26, 2023
From losing time with the backing track to not being able to see the teleprompter, even Patti made mention of “not knowing the words” to the 1989 megahit (a few of many issues that plagued the ill-fated performance).
In response to the mishaps, LaBelle smiled and ad-libbed her way through the awesomely blunder-filled showing – a feat that really got Twitter talking.
See highlights below.
Tina Turner in her grave when patti said she didn’t know the words to her song #BETAwards pic.twitter.com/kxbPKjMtGI
— WendyAnn (@Shortfunnygirll) June 26, 2023
Tina after hearing Patti: #BETAwards pic.twitter.com/DRKGByd7Ml
— Lellow’s Karma 🗝️⚖️ (@KeysMonae) June 26, 2023
[photo sources: Getty Images/Twitter]
Your thoughts?
😆 🤣 😢 😭 😆 🤣
It’s obvious Patti wasn’t a big FAN. Most importantly Tina Tuner is a ROCK ARTIST.
Because Tina is Black, that means any Black artist should perform her music?? Patti should have passed on this tribute. I feel BET low key set Patti up. They should have known this was a bad idea, lol
LOL Patti always having issues with her background singers and teleprompters. Love auntie but they shoulda got someone like Fantasia for this tribute.
Fantasia was my first thought too.
Fantasia cant sing like dat .
So disrespectful! This h** is so unprepared and unprofessional!
She actually said, “Whatever, I don’t know. I can’t see the words.” That makes it sound like she really didn’t care. Patti didn’t prepare enough and neither did the producers. Shameful.
It really wasn’t that. I don’t know the words to the verses either – I think most people only really know the chorus to that song.
*that bad
You would think a 60 year veteran would be more prepared……..
Perhaps. I still don’t think it was that bad, though. People on Twitter act like they’ve never messed up at work in their entire life.
This is BET fault not. Patti somebody needs to be terminated
Jazmine Sullivan can sing better than fantasia. Fantasia overrated
Both have their own strengths. Fantasia has the spirit and energy for Tina. Jazmine would be better suited to sing Aretha.
Yeah fantasia she overrated
How exactly is Fantasia overrated? If anything she’s underrated. A spectacular talent.
Quiet as it’s kept black people didn’t listen to Tina like that after her and Ike divorced. When she made her comeback in the 80’s, she became a full blown rockstar. Just look at her concerts. Nothing but a sea of white people. Tina was living her best European White Woman life. Did she ever attend the BET Awards or anything “urban” after the 80’s? It wasn’t until the movie when she reappeared on Black folks radar. It doesn’t surprise me that Patti didn’t know the words.