Audience Rescues Patti LaBelle's Tribute To Tina Turner At 2023 BET Awards

Patti LaBelle was all set to give a soul-stirring tribute to the late Tina Turner at the 2023 BET Awards, but things did not go as planned.

However, thanks to the support of her audience, she was able to turn a potential disaster into a success. The performance in honor of the "Queen of Rock' n' Roll," who recently passed, served as a reminder that even the best singers have off nights.

The award ceremony witnessed a heartfelt moment as the legendary Godmother of Soul encountered a teleprompter issue during her tribute performance to the iconic "Proud Mary" singer. The 79-year-old captivated the audience with her sparkling fringe minidress that paid homage to Turner's iconic style. 

As expected, the "On My Own" singer's powerhouse vocals delivered an impressive performance. Still, she encountered a challenge as she struggled to see the lyrics on the teleprompter throughout the tribute. Acknowledging the issue, LaBelle candidly addressed the crowd, saying, "I can't see the words, and I don't know. I'm tryin', you all!"

Despite the minor setback, PEOPLE reported that she gracefully navigated through the challenge while performing "The Best" and received a helping hand from the supportive crowd.

Meanwhile, amid her rendition of the 1989 hit, LaBelle humorously quipped, "Where are my background singers?" This playful comment harkened back to her unforgettable performance of "This Christmas" at the 1996 National Tree Lighting Ceremony, where cue card mishaps occurred. 

Earlier in May, the world mourned the loss of the legendary "Boxtop" singer, who sadly passed away at 83. The unfortunate event reportedly occurred at her home in Switzerland after bravely battling a long illness.

Tragically, Turner had also experienced the heartbreaking loss of her son, Ronnie, in December. Despite her struggles, the late star took to Instagram to share a poignant tribute to her beloved child, showcasing her strength even in times of profound sadness.

In a poignant statement shared on Instagram, the songwriter's representative conveyed the devastating news of her passing. It read, "It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Tina Turner. With her music and boundless passion for life, she enchanted millions of fans worldwide and inspired the stars of tomorrow."

The message expressed heartfelt condolences to the actress's family: "Today we say goodbye to a dear friend who leaves us all her greatest work: her music. All our heartfelt compassion goes out to her family. Tina, we will miss you dearly." 

While on her Renaissance World Tour, Beyoncé received heartbreaking news of the passing of Turner, an enduring inspiration for the "Love On Top" artist. The shocking loss deeply affected the superstar, prompting a heartfelt tribute that moved the audience to tears, including Beyoncé.

During her performance at the Orange Velodrome in Marseille, the mother-of-three paid a heartfelt tribute to her lifelong idol by singing the iconic hit "River Deep, Mountain High." 

The emotional moment she moved the audience to tears, as Beyoncé could not hold back her emotions. Videos circulating on social media captured the powerful scene, with the "Carmen: A Hip Hopera" star visibly teary-eyed throughout the song. 

Her tribute resonated deeply with the spectators, as she has always credited the late actress as a significant influence on her career, notably stating, "I wouldn't be on this stage without Tina Turner." Following the news of the "Tommy" star's passing, Bey has been consistently honoring her during her ongoing world tour. 

From her concert in Paris to subsequent performances in London, Barcelona, and Marseille, the "Obsessed" star has dedicated special moments in her shows to sing in tribute to the late rock icon. Beyoncé also expressed her deep admiration for Turner in a heartfelt Instagram tribute, writing:

"My beloved queen. I love you endlessly. I am so grateful for your inspiration and all the ways you have paved the way. You are strong and resilient. You are the epitome of passion and power. We are all fortunate to have witnessed your kindness and beautiful spirit that will remain forever. Thank you for all you have done."