Patti LaBelle Speaks Out After She Forgets Lyrics During Tina Turner Tribute

Patti LaBelle speaks out following her tribute to the late Tina Turner during the 2023 BET Awards.

While performing Turner’s 1989 song “The Best,” LaBelle expressed that she wouldn’t read the lyrics as fans began to block the teleprompter unintentionally, “what if I can’t see the words, I don’t know! I’m trying, y’all!’ she said to the crowd. “Where are my background singers?”

Following the performance, Patti expressed to Entertainment Tonight, “It meant no matter what voice I’m in — I’m hoarse, I have a cold — but whatever, I had to, I was giving it up for Tina Turner, ’cause she’s simply the best.” She added, “So you heard a little tweak every now and then out there, but I love her, and I did my best.”