Patti LaBelle forgets Tina Turner's song lyrics during tribute

Patti LaBelle is making headlines after a major gaffe at the 2023 BET Awards, which were held at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday night. 

The 79-year-old couldn't remember the lyrics to Tina Turner's 1989 classic, 'The Best'. Patti was performing a tribute to the 'Queen of Rock 'n' Roll' who died in May at the age of 83. 

ALSO READ: Tina Turner's reps reveal her cause of death

Patti got into trouble when her teleprompter stopped working while she was singing the song. 

"I get... what if I can't see the words, I don't know. I'm trying y'all," she sang. The audience sang along to some of the lyrics. 

Despite the drama, Patti delivered a powerful performance that showed off her amazing vocals. 

"God bless you, Tina Turner!” she said. 

The 'Godmother of Soul' even joked about her lyrics mishap by referencing a famous line from a previous performance. 

"Where my background singers?" she asked. 

The 'If Only You Knew' hitmaker first made the statement when she was performing her song, 'This Christmas', in 1996. Her background singers did not come in on time. Patti's cue cards were also showing the wrong words. 

As if that wasn't bad enough, the cue cards were not being changed fast enough. 

"Next card, honey. Next card," she also said during the performance. 

ALSO READ: Grammy officials clarify stance on AI-generated music

Tina Turner Simply The Best

'The Best' is one of Tina Turner's biggest hits. The song was originally recorded by Welsh singer Bonnie Tyler in 1988. 

While the track was a hit in Norway, it did not take off as much in other countries. Tina's cover became a worldwide success. 

The song appeared on her album, 'Foreign Affair'. Tina's fans often call the song 'Simply The Best', which is what she sings in the chorus. 

ALSO READ: Kate Bush's 1985 song hits a billion streams after 'Stranger Things' boost

2023 BET Awards Winners 

Latto was awarded 'Best Female Hip Hop Artist', beating the likes of Nicki Minaj, Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion, GloRilla, and Coi Leray.

South African rapper K.O was nominated in the 'Best International Act' category. He lost to Nigerian superstar Burna Boy. Uncle Waffles was also a nominee in the same category. 

Busta Rhymes received the 'Lifetime Achievement Award'. 

ALSO READ: Emtee hopes to be as big as AKA: 'He was a giant'

Main image credit: Instagram/@tonibraxton

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