Patti is called 'disrespectful' after she forgets the lyrics of the late singer's hit '(Simply) the Best' at the awards-giving event which takes place at the Microsoft Theater.
- Jun 26, 2023
AceShowbiz - Patti Labelle hit the stage to honor Tina Turner at the 2023 BET Awards on Sunday, June 25. Patti's powerful and joyful performance of Tina's hit "(Simply) the Best" could have been perfect if she hadn't forget the words.
In a video that circulated online, Patti could be seen delivering her tribute in front of the crowds at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. However, the singer appeared to struggle to read the text to the song's lyrics as she stopped singing for a brief moment in the middle of her performance.
"I'm trying, y'all," she said after humming a few notes before hitting the chorus the first time. When she forgot the lyrics a second time, she said, "Oh lord," and then proceeded to sing a couple more words of the song.
She later sang, "Whatever, I can't see the words," to the song's tune. "I'm trying, y'all," she explained herself to the crowd again.
Fans were left unimpressed by the mishaps. "I'm sorry but auntie Patti was dead a** wrong..," one commented. "She should have been practicing and rehearsing this song until she got it down. Her being a legend is no excuse for not being prepared. This was awful," one other said.
"I love Patti but she should've declined if she didn't know the lyrics," echoing the sentiment, another added. Another critic wrote, "This is exactly why I said GET SOMEONE WHO KNOWS HER MUSIC to do the tribute."
"This is so messed up. Tina Turner deserves a better tribute than this," one fan shared, while some others called Patti "disrespectful." Another commenter fumed, "Not acceptable! TINA deserved someone/anyone who at least rehearsed and knew/loved her music. Rehearsals will always be important."
One viewer slammed the event in general, saying, "This might be the worst awards show to date. They disrespecting hip hop's anniversary there's no structure and why they keep giving [Beyonce Knowles] awards she's not there on purpose."
Of the snafu, a BET spokesperson told The Hollywood Reporter, "It was an extraordinary privilege to celebrate the life and legacy of Ms. Tina Turner at BET Awards 2023. Having the incomparable Ms. Patti LaBelle on our stage honoring one of her contemporaries was an equal privilege."
"Due to the crowd's enthusiasm, the teleprompter was obstructed, obscuring Ms. LaBelle's view of the lyrics. Nonetheless, we couldn't be more grateful to Ms. LaBelle for lending her incredible talent to this moment," the spokesperson continued.
Patti, meanwhile, has yet to comment on the mistakes.
