Teleprompter Broken, Patti LaBelle 'Struggles' Sings The Best Song to Tina Turner at BET Awards
The teleprompter broke, Patti LaBelle 'Struggled' to sing The Best for Tina Turner at the BET Awards, and the 2023 BET Awards audience had to help Patti LaBelle through a Tina Turner tribute performance.
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| Patti LaBelle performs on stage during the 2023 BET awards at the Microsoft theatre in Los Angeles, June 25, 2023. (Michael Tran/AFP/Getty Images) |
During the ceremony on Sunday (25/06/2023), Godmother of Soul paid tribute to the late Tina Turner by performing "The Best" and struggling to keep up with the lyrics - but she got through it and sounded presentable.
Patti LaBelle's Best Tribute to Tina Turner
Patti LaBelle, 79, took to the stage in a brimming minidress reminiscent of Tina Turner's signature style for her performance.
While her powerhouse vocals are expected to be impressive, she can't seem to see the lyrics on the teleprompter throughout the show.
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"I couldn't see his words and I didn't know," he told the crowd.
"I'm trying, you all!"
In the middle of a rendition of Tina Turner's 1989 hit, Patti LaBelle humorously asked, "Where's my backing singer?" — recalling her unforgettable performance of "This Christmas" at the 1996 National Tree Lighting Ceremony, when musician "Lady Marmalade" cue cards were broken.
She endured through a tribute performance in honor of the late Queen of Rock 'n' Roll, who died last month at the age of 83 after a long illness at her home near Zurich in Switzerland.
"God bless you, Tina Turner!" exclaimed Patti LaBelle on stage.
Shortly after Tina Turner's death, Patti LaBelle took to social media and shared a heartfelt tribute to the icon.
"Tina Turner, the world will forever be grateful for your voice, your courage, and your grace," she wrote at the time.
"You are truly the Queen of Rock & Roll and your spirit will rule forever! Rest in peace and eternal love!"
Ahead of the 2023 BET Awards, Patti LaBelle announced the appearance with a statement to Rolling Stone.
"Tina Turner was a trailblazer and someone I have a lot of respect for everything she overcame and everything she accomplished," he said.
Patti LaBelle continued, "She was everything! And I'm honored that I was able to pay tribute to him in this way."
The 2023 BET Awards will be broadcast live from Los Angeles, Sunday (25/06/2023).