The 2023 BET Awards crowd had to help Patti LaBelle through her Tina Turner tribute performance after she had an issue with the teleprompter.
via: CNN
The legendary singer performed Turner’s 1989 hit “(Simply) the Best,” but appeared to struggle with some of the lyrics.
“I can’t see the words and I don’t know,” LaBelle sang to the crowd. “I’m trying y’all.”
The audience in the theater clapped and joined LaBelle and her background singers for the chorus to sing, “You’re simply the best!”
Some viewers criticized LaBelle’s flub, while others defended the 79-year-old singer.
“Only Patti LaBelle can sound that good and not only not the words but sing that she doesn’t know the words,” one viewer tweeted.
only patti labelle can sound that good and not only not the words but sing that she doesn’t know the words
— dominique larue (@dlaruemusic) June 26, 2023
Actress and producer Holly Robinson Peete retweeted video of an audience member who said her section was blocking a teleprompter, which made it difficult for LaBelle to see the lyrics.
Robinson Peete tweeted, “This Patti slander is wrong.”
This Patti slander is wrong
This lady below made it clear that she was in the section blocking the teleprompter ??????the producers should have made sure that area was cleared as soon as the performance started or put one at the front of the stage for her!! BTW Lots of artists use… https://t.co/hYZBMdk35G— Holly Robinson Peete ???? (@hollyrpeete) June 26, 2023
A spokesperson for BET confirmed LaBelle’s view was obstructed in a statement The Hollywood Reporter, “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.”
CNN has reached out to representatives for BET and LaBelle for comment.
LaBelle finished strong, saying at the end of her performance, “God bless you, Tina Turner!”
Patti LaBelle says she can't see the words #BETAwards pic.twitter.com/DGu6SksytF
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) June 26, 2023
