During the 2023 BET Awards on Sunday, Patti LaBelle encountered a momentary setback while performing a tribute to Tina Turner, as the teleprompter malfunctioned during her rendition of “The Best.” Despite forgetting some of the lyrics, the esteemed R&B/Soul legend maintained her composure and delivered a commendable performance at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.
With determination in her voice, she addressed the audience, saying, “I’m trying, y’all,” before proceeding with the first chorus. However, she momentarily struggled with the lyrics once more, exclaiming, “Oh lord,” and adding, “What if I can’t see the words? I don’t know,” while staying in tune with the song. Patti LaBelle’s professionalism shone through as she persevered, incorporating adlibs to pay homage to the late “Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll.” She concluded her performance by proclaiming, “God bless you, Tina Turner!”
Despite the lyrical oversight, the teleprompter malfunction played a part in the mishap. A BET spokesperson conveyed to 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.”
Although rumors of a discord between the two iconic figures circulated online after the performance, Patti Labelle expressed her “honored” sentiment towards the opportunity. In an interview with Rolling Stone prior to the awards, she shared, “Tina was a trailblazer and someone I have a tremendous amount of respect for because of all that she overcame and all that she accomplished. She was and is everything! And I am honored that I am able to pay tribute to her in this way.”
