LaBelle performed a remarkable tribute to the late Turner, known as the “The Best” rendition, on stage as a way to pay homage to the unparalleled Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll. The iconic Godmother of Soul, dressed in a dazzling fringe minidress that evoked Turner’s distinctive fashion, demonstrated her incredible vocal range as she passionately sang the lyrics of the song. Nonetheless, she encountered some difficulties as she tried to keep pace with the teleprompter, which was utilized to assist her throughout the entire performance.
She admitted that she wasn’t able to see the lyrics on the teleprompter throughout the tribute, but she acknowledged that LaBelle’s vocals were impressive. “I’m trying, everyone!” She said, acknowledging that she couldn’t see the words and the crowd.
At the 1996 National Tree Lighting Ceremony, LaBelle asked, “Where are my background singers?” While referring to her infamous performance of “This Christmas.” In response, one of the singers pointed out that the cue cards for “The Marmalade Lady” were out of order.
Tina Turner, you blessed God,” she exclaimed on stage. The tribute ended with a standing ovation, and she danced and sang along as the audience applauded. With her background singers in sync, LaBelle powered through her stumbles and still shined.
Speaking with Kevin Frazier from ET backstage at Turner’s event, LaBelle opened up about why it was so important to her and what the honor meant to her.
LaBelle stated, “and I gave it my all, but I adore her out there occasionally, you caught a slight adjustment like that.” Reflecting on the deceased legend, she became somewhat sentimental, expressing, “she is truly unparalleled, because I was sacrificing myself for Tina Turner, I had to, regardless, but I am currently battling a cold, I have a raspy voice, it doesn’t matter, I meant it.”
Turner peacefully departed after an extended illness at her home in Küsnacht, situated close to Zurich in Switzerland, just last month. She was 83 years of age.
The representative of Mary Turner confirmed the sad news in a statement to ET, reflecting on the proud legacy and unique impact she made on rock music.
Tina Turner, the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll, has peacefully passed away today at the age of 83 in her home in Küsnacht near Zurich, Switzerland, after a long illness.
The statement continued, stating that Tina Turner’s unique legacy is just a part of the world around her. She has sold out stadium tours for over three decades, won 12 GRAMMY Awards, and sold more than 180 million albums. Hits like ‘The Best,’ ‘Private Dancer,’ and ‘What’s Love Got to Do With It’ have inspired many subsequent artists and thrilled millions of fans. With her inexhaustible vitality and her music, Tina Turner became a successful solo artist worldwide. However, she first gained fame as the singer of the Turner Tina & Ike Revue band in the late 60s. She was born on November 26, 1939, in Nutbush, Tennessee, as Anna Mae Bullock.
The music icon was commemorated, with notable personalities like Oprah Winfrey, Beyonce, Cher, Angela Bassett (who portrayed Turner in the 1993 biopic “What’s Love Got to Do With It”), Diana Ross, Barack Obama, Dolly Parton, Mick Jagger, and others being remembered.
On May 25th, BET and Entertainment Tonight presented an exclusive news special called “Tina Turner: Life and Legacy” to pay tribute to the singer.
She didn’t realize how her dream of becoming an actor and finding true love would turn into a worldwide hit, with her single-selling best 1984 song “What’s Love Got to Do with It.” The one-hour special featured more than 30 interviews with Tina Turner, including moments from her career and various stages of her life. It also showcased archival footage from over 40 years and highlighted her induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and her 12-time Grammy-winning career.