Pati La’Belle is trending after her BET tribute to Tina Turner because her tribute to the late Tina Turner did not go as planned.
According to the Huff Post even the best of us can have bad days and it was clear that La’Belle was struggling through a rendition of the 1989 hit “The Best” when audience members ended up obscuring the teleprompter.
LaBelle sang around the melody as she ad-libbed lyrics and apologized to viewers, telling people,
“What if I can’t see the words, I don’t know! I’m trying, y’all!”
The “Lady Marmalade” singer certainly didn’t mean any disrespect.
Patti LaBelle says she can’t see the words #BETAwards pic.twitter.com/DGu6SksytF
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) June 26, 2023
LaBelle expressed her admiration for Turner in a statement to Rolling Stone ahead of the award show, saying, “Tina was a trailblazer and someone I have a tremendous amount of respect for.”
Turner was 83 when she died at her home in Switzerland in May.
While LaBelle’s performance didn’t go as planned, it wasn’t the only messy moment during this year’s BET Awards.
The impact of the film and TV writers strike was evident during the script-less and host-free show.
While some celebrities improvised their speeches, others made statements in solidarity with the writers who craft the shows.
During her introduction for artist Kali, singer Muni Long told audiences, “Writers are, in many instances, the glue to the execution of artistry and storytelling.
“Our ability to extract emotion from performers helping them to articulate their voices and vision to the world is irreplaceable. The protection of the writer is crucial. We simply must protect our intellectual property.”
Pattie when she realized the teleprompter wasn’t on. #betawards #BetAwards2023 pic.twitter.com/zTBl5DEhY4
— John™ (@Humble_demeanor) June 26, 2023
and
Pattie ain’t know this song ??? #BETAwards pic.twitter.com/gJHUwede6x
— Flossy Santana (@YourboyDonell) June 26, 2023
and
Tina: You seen how Pattie fawked up my tribute right?
Aretha: Say what nie? #BETAwards pic.twitter.com/p0ctsRlhDv
— It’s Cinta (@MsTigerEyes) June 26, 2023
and
Wait…we need writers back ASAP. Ms. Pattie don’t know not one word. #BETAwards pic.twitter.com/g3BSlHpNff
— KAY DUPREE (@KayDupree) June 26, 2023
and
Lmaooooo #BetAwards2023 pic.twitter.com/qGuVqAe8Kz
— Rae Christine (@raechristine__) June 26, 2023
and
Tina Turner in Heaven after this Tribute #BetAwards2023 #pattilabelle #Tinaturner pic.twitter.com/Gt4csSQmn1
— London love (@daheroreport2) June 26, 2023
and
Tina Turner in heaven right now after miss Patti LaBelle didn’t know her lyrics #BETAwards #BetAwards2023 pic.twitter.com/0Aup02yAvN
— Cloud9ineDreams? (@Cloud9ineDreams) June 26, 2023
and
#BETAwards
Patti Labelle “I can’t see the words. I’m trying yall”
Me pic.twitter.com/WKxVVTJUAl— Manic the 17th (@Manicthe17th) June 26, 2023
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