[VIDEO] GOOD MORNING AMERICA GUSHES OVER CHRISTINA AGUILERA'S TRIBUTE TO ETTA JAMES

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[YOUTUBE] CHRISTINA'S TRIBUTE TO ETTA JAMES SECURES THE #1 SPOT FOR 'MOST VIEWED VIDEO'

[NEWS] CHRISTINA NAILED HER IDOL'S SONG 'AT LAST' WITH AN UNBELIEVABLE RENDITION

The funeral for the late great Etta James, who died January 20 at age 73, was held yesterday, and the list of attendees read like a who's who in Hollywood -- particularly the music industry.

Reverend Al Sharpton officiated the private ceremony at the City of Refuge Church in Gardenia, California, where he read a personal note from President Obama which stated,"Etta will be remembered for her legendary voice and for her many contributions to our nation's musical heritage." Other celebrities present at the sad occasion were Christina Aguilera and Stevie Wonder, both who performed.

It was a somber event, and Etta is clearly going to be missed by all. But it was Aguilera's moving performance of "At Last", which she actually regularly includes in her concerts, that stole the show. Check out the video.

It can't be easy to perform one of your idol's most well-known songs at her funeral, but Christina nailed it, singing with love, grace, and respect. It was beautiful, and totally didn't seem like a "look at me, I'm a celebrity" moment. And, wow, what an honor it must have been to have been asked to perform. Christina told People,

"Etta wasn't just any performer, she was a strong woman whose talent came from a place so deep it moved people in ways they never felt before. Losing her was, to me, like losing a part of my soul."

The impact Etta had on the music industry -- and Christina-- clearly is indelible. And although the world is a bit darker without her in it, her legend will undoubtedly live on forever. Especially if Christina has anything to do with it. Nice job, girl.

Source: The Stir

[NEWS] CHRISTINA AGUILERA GAVE THE PERFORMANCE OF A LIFETIME FOR ETTA JAMES

Christina Aguilera gave the performance of a lifetime when she sang "At Last" at Etta James' funeral. Aguilera poured all of her heart and soul into the performance to pay tribute to a woman she called "her idol."

Christina was dressed in a black suit and had her hair pulled into a sweeping up-do as she bravely stood before James' family and close friends and said,

"Out of all the singers that I've ever heard, she was the one that cut right to my soul and spoke to me."

It was clearly an emotional experience for Aguilera and it appeared that she had tears in her eyes as she began to sing.

She brought the crowd to their feet as she finished the song belting out notes that are impossible for most of today's stars. She has always been a fan of Etta's, she even sang the Etta James' song "A Sunday Kind of Love" on Star Search in 1990. That performance earned her second place on the popular televised talent show.

As much as Christina loved Etta, Etta seemed to love her too. Back in 2006, Etta had this to say about Christina,

"When I first heard her stuff, and I heard her say on TV, [in response to the question] where she got her style, 'I grew up on Etta James,' that made me feel so good. The last person who said that was Janis Joplin, but Christina can sing. Janis was good, but there's a difference in the quality of voice. I couldn't believe that big sound, that big voice was coming out of her. Tell me who you've seen that sings like her, because we don't have anybody."

Then to Aguilera she said,

"It's like you were here many years ago. You don't look exactly like them, but there's something about you that's like Dinah Washington, Billie Holiday, those kinds of chicks. I've never seen a girl sing as tough as you sing, as little as you are. It's like you're an old soul."

It was only fitting that Christina Aguilera sing "At Last" at Etta James' funeral. No one else could have done it better. Click HERE to see the performance, but you should probably grab some tissues first!

Source: CelebsGather

[VIDEO] @HIPHOLLYWOOD BREAKS DOWN THE CEREMONIOUS CELEBRATION OF MISS ETTA JAMES

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[NEWS] WALL STREET JOURNAL: 'CHRISTINA AGUILERA'S TAKE ON 'AT LAST' WAS HOT & URBAN'

The funeral of R&B legend Etta James was a star-studded affair, with appearances by Stevie Wonder and Christina Aguilera.

The event was held yesterday in the City of Refuge Church in Gardena, California.

Aguilera was a long-time admirer of James, and paid tribute to her idol by singing James’s signature song “At Last.” It’s a tune that has been much covered over the years; notably, Beyonce sang it while President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama took their first dance at an inaugural ball in Washington, D.C. (Beyonce also played James in the 2008 movie “Cadillac Records.”) The song was written in 1941 and James popularized it in the early 1960s.

“There’s a line in this song that says ‘I found a dream that I could speak to,’” Aguilera said before she began to sing. “And for me that dream, all my life, has been Etta James.”

Aguilera delivered a full-throated rendition, with minimal accompaniment. Her vocal swoops and growls drew appreciative cheers and whistles from the funeral goers.

Aguilera’s singing often spurs debate. Last year, her live version of “The Star-Spangled Banner” was roasted by some commentators when, caught up in the passion of the song, she fumbled a few lines. And her vocal runs during an Aretha Franklin tribute were so masterful, she may have overshadowed the other divas sharing the stage.

While Beyonce’s version of “At Last” was warm and urbane, Aguilera’s take on the song was hot and urban. Her fiery interpretation has won over some gospel lovers, but alienated some listeners who found her vocals overdone, and have sounded off across the web.

“Thank you Etta James for the inspiration–I love you,” Aguilera said at the end of her performance.

You can listen to the song here. What did you think of Aguilera’s version? How did you feel about Beyonce’s take? Leave your thoughts in the comments.

Source: WallStreetJournal

[NEWS] CHRISTINA AGUILERA PAYS TRIBUTE TO ETTA JAMES

Etta James was remembered in words and music Saturday at a funeral in Gardena, Calif., featuring a moving performance of "At Last" by Christina Aguilera.

Aguilera, who includes the song in her shows, offered this tribute to the 73-year-old R&B legend for PEOPLE:

"It isn't every day that an artist can meet the person who inspired them and their career. Not only did I have the incredible opportunity of meeting my idol, the legendary Ms. Etta James, but to be asked by her family to perform at her memorial was so very touching and yet bitter sweet.

"Etta wasn't just any performer, she was a strong woman whose talent came from a place so deep it moved people in ways they never felt before. Losing her was, to me, like losing a part of my soul.

"I can only hope that she felt the love in the room as we all came together to pay tribute to her and celebrate her life as a person and as an artist. She will be deeply missed and I thank her family for allowing me such a great honor."

– Christina Aguilera

Source: People

[VIDEO] ETTA JAMES FUNERAL: CHRISTINA TELLS CNN - 'SHE MEANT THE WHOLE WORLD TO ME'

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[PHOTOS] ETTA JAMES FUNERAL: 'AT LAST' PERFORMANCE

Christina Aguilera belts out Etta James‘ classic, “At Last,” at the late singer’s funeral on Saturday (January 28) in Los Angeles.

“She was the one that cut right through my soul. So tonight, Etta, this song is for you,” the 31-year-old entertainer said before performing.

Stevie Wonder also took the stage to sing “Shelter in the Rain” with a church choir, while Rev. Al Sharpton delivered the eulogy.

Etta passed away last week at the age of 73 due to complications from leukemia.

[VIDEO] ETTA JAMES FUNERAL: 'AT LAST' PERFORMANCE

[NEWS] WHY ETTA JAMES WAS THE ORIGINAL DIVA OF THE BLUES

With a platinum blond bouffant, the heaviest of black eyeliner, and a reverberating contralto voice, Etta James tore a hole through the unforgiving blues. Her artistry scrapped the gut-bucket of pain and led the way for women who didn't mind getting rugged onstage. Before Aretha Franklin and Tina Turner, there was the megapower of soul: Etta James.

Born Jamesetta Hawkins on January 25, 1938, in the South-Central area of Los Angeles, Etta was the first "bad girl" of R&B. She famously performed with Ace bandages on her arms to cover up track marks from a severe heroin addiction, her rap sheet was as long as Lindsay Lohan's, and she hung tough with drag queens as a teen. One of her many arrests was with a handful of queens at an Indianapolis hotel for being unmarried and sharing a room with a member of the opposite sex. In an era when women had to be prim and proper, she bucked authority and was apologetically Etta.

Etta said in her 2003 autobiography, Rage to Survive,

"I'm serious about turning little churchgoing Jamesetta into a tough bitch called Etta James."

She was as tough as the blues and had the warrior marks to prove it. However, after a long battle with cancer, Etta James died today at the age of 73.

Also known as Miss Peaches, she had her first number 1 R&B hit at the age of 14 in 1954 as the lead singer of a trio called the Peaches. But it was her 1960 solo deal under Chess Records that would make James a household name. Songs like "All I Could Do is Cry” and "A Sunday Kind of Love" ruled the airwaves. And then the classic that would change her life forever: 1961's "At Last" from the album At Last! Written by Mack Gordon and Harry Warren and performed by Glenn Miller in 1941, the song gave Etta her signature hit.

Even with all of her success, James was wildly exploited by her record label, not receiving the money she earned. Soon after, Etta’s addictions got the best of her. In 2006 she told Gay City News that Billie Holiday had personally warned her to "not to get caught up staying up late and drinking and partying." Etta didn't heed the warning. By the age of 21, Etta developed a full-blown addiction to heroin.

For decades, Etta struggled with heroin, overdosing many times and nearly losing the battle like her idol, Holiday. In 1974 she faced the possibility of nearly 10 years in prison for heroin possession and forgery. Luckily, she was sentenced to 17 months of drug rehab. But Etta would relapse several times. She didn’t officially kick the habit until the age of 50 in 1988.

In later years Etta’s career would get a revival mainly due to Christina Aguilera famously covering “At Last” and consistently crediting James. The “Beautiful” songstress told InStyle in 2006,

[Photo Credits: MerlitoDesigns]

"Etta is my all-time favorite singer. I've said it for the last seven years — since I had my first debut record out — in every interview. I mean, all of Etta's old songs, countless songs I could name, I grew up listening to."

In 2009, Etta was thrown into the biggest controversy of her career with another pop diva. At the first inaugural ball for President Obama on January 20, Beyoncé Knowles sang “At Last” — a song she had recently recorded after playing Etta James in the movie Cadillac Records. Eight days later, Miss Peaches told a Seattle audience that she "can't stand Beyoncé" and that the diva would “get her ass whipped” for singing “At Last” to the president. Etta’s son later said the outburst was due to a "drug-induced dementia.” Regardless of the media firestorm, she was clearly joking and just being Etta James. From the start of her career, Etta bucked charm school, never aiming for perfection. She was a down-home woman who endured the horrors of sexism, racism, and heartbreak that a pop star like Beyoncé will thankfully never experience. So if Etta said she wants to whip someone's ass, so be it — she is a diva who earned it!

Through all of Etta's tragedies, she survived rock and roll, unlike the cursed 27 club (Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Kurt Cobain, Amy Winehouse, etc.). Her life was colored with the deepest of blues, but she was no casualty. Mama pulled herself up by her garter belt, dusted off her wig, and rightfully became known as one of the greatest voices of all time. While many remember Etta for “At Last,” her greatest song is arguably “I’d Rather Go Blind,” which she wrote back in 1968:

"I looked down in the glass / That I held to my lips / And I saw the reflection of the tears rolling down my face / That's when I knew loved you / I can't live without you / I'd rather be a blind girl."

If that isn’t the blues personified, then I don’t know what is.

If anyone crushes your heart and all you could do is cry, you better put on some Etta James because mama will make it better. At last, the woman who survived the blues has gone home.

Source: TheAdvocate

[SPECIAL REPORT] MISS ETTA JAMES, THANK YOU ♥

Editor's Note:

Unfortunately, it seems that the legendary, Miss Etta James, is [terminally ill] has passed on after battling Leukemia, Dementia, and Kidney Disease in addition to many other ailments. Etta James is a true fighter. I had to do a small tribute to her because not only is she truly amazing - but she is a major influence on our very own idol. Who knows if Christina would be who she is if this phenomenal vocalist had never been apart of this lifetime. From the absolute bottom of our hearts may we extend to you a sense of comfort and instill peace in your remaining time with us your after-life. We do not want to let you go. :( Please send your positive vibes and energy to this extraordinary woman.

'Something's Got A Hold On Me'
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'At Last'
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Bonus:'It's A Man's Man's Man's World'
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[PHOTOS] CHRISTINA AGUILERA AND DANCERS AFTER 'MICHAEL FOREVER' CONCERT

Credit: Marcel Wilson

[VIDEO] 'DIRTY DIANA' PERFORMANCE (LIVE FROM 'MICHAEL FOREVER')

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[VIDEO] 'SMILE' PERFORMANCE (LIVE FROM 'MICHAEL FOREVER')

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[AUDIO] 'SMILE' PERFORMANCE (LIVE FROM 'MICHAEL FOREVER')

[PHOTO] 'THE MICHAEL FOREVER TRIBUTE CONCERT' STAGE

[TWEET] @CAMDENGILES: 'WATCHING CHRISTINA AGUILERA REHEARSE DIRTY DIANA IN AN EMPTY...'

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[PHOTOS] CHRISTINA AGUILERA & MATT RUTLER: DANCE REHEARSALS IN LONDON (10-6-11)

Christina Aguilera flashes a quick smile as she arrives at the Sadler’s Wells Theatre on Thursday (October 6) in London, England.

The 30-year-old singer brought along her beau Matt Rutler for an evening of dance! The Sadler’s Wells Theatre is one of the most prominent dance performance venues in England.

Source: JustJared

[NEWS] CHRISTINA WILL BE HONORED TODAY AT VARIETY'S FIRST ANNUAL 'POWER OF WOMEN'

Multi-Grammy Award winner and pop superstar Christina Aguilera will be honored today at Variety’s first annual Power of Women luncheon for her philanthropic efforts to fight hunger as global spokesperson for Yum! Brands, KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell’s annual World Hunger Relief campaign (http://www.fromhungertohope.com). Variety is recognizing Aguilera, along with seven other of Hollywood’s most philanthropically impactful women in entertainment, who through her efforts, has made a significant difference to the World Hunger Relief campaign.



The goal of Variety’s Power of Women is to honor high profile women, such as Christina Aguilera, in order to inspire and empower women everywhere to get involved and give back. Christina will be honored specifically for her work with Yum! Brands’ World Hunger Relief effort. The exclusive luncheon will host four-hundred invite-only guests made up of Hollywood insiders and talent, to celebrate, support and pay tribute to Aguilera and others in the entertainment industry for utilizing their positions to further awareness and affect change for various charitable causes.



"As a mom, I can’t accept that even one child could go hungry or that a child dies every six seconds from hunger. That’s why I’m so passionate about this cause,” said Aguilera. "World Hunger Relief makes a huge difference by providing relief for millions of hungry people, especially schoolchildren in developing countries. I hope by lending my voice to this cause I can raise awareness and move millions of people and children from hunger to hope,” added Aguilera.



"We congratulate Christina for her recognition at Variety’s Power of Women for her passion to fight world hunger,” said David Novak, Chairman and CEO, Yum! Brands, Inc. "We are thankful for Christina’s partnership to help us raise attention to the critical hunger issue and save millions of lives.”



Yum! Brands’ annual World Hunger Relief campaign is the world’s largest private sector hunger relief effort, spanning 110 countries, 36,000 KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, Long John Silver’s and A&W All-American Food restaurants and over one million employees, to raise awareness, volunteerism and funds for the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) and other hunger relief agencies.



Aguilera is raising awareness of the hunger issue by appearing in the World Hunger Relief campaign’s new global public service announcement and advertisement, made possible by KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell, that will start airing at the end of September. The black and white PSA captures Aguilera, accompanied by a guitarist, attracting a crowd on a busy corner in Los Angeles as she sings Beautiful to raise money for hunger relief. Graphics illustrate that everyone can do something to help, "all it takes is a dollar and you, hope is in your hands.” The new :15, :30 and :60 second PSA was created by DraftFCB in Chicago, directed by the award-winning Phil Joanou and edited by Beast in Los Angeles.



Aguilera will also appear in World Hunger Relief restaurant posters with the quote, "Together, we have the power to save lives and go from hunger to hope” and online efforts, including the campaign’s web site FromHungertoHope.com. Consumers can log on to FromHungertoHope.com or go to any KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, Long John Silver’s or A&W All-American Food restaurant to donate (no purchase necessary).



Global hunger has reached epic proportions this year – with more than 1 billion hungry people around the world – due to the convergence of the global economic slowdown; high food prices; increased competition for products that produce energy; severe droughts and floods due to climate change; and increasing demand from growing economies in Asia and South America.



World Hunger Relief kicks off its month-long campaign in the U.S. starting Sept. 24 (Long John Silver’s/A&W All-American Food), Sept. 27 (Pizza Hut), Sept. 28 (KFC) and Oct. 8 (Taco Bell). The Yum! Foundation will be covering WFP’s administrative fee so that funds collected online and at its restaurants will go directly towards feeding poor school children in the developing world and helping villages become self-sustainable. Every U.S. dollar raised will provide four meals for hungry children.



Since World Hunger Relief launched in 2007, more than 1 million of the Company’s employees, franchisees and their families have volunteered more than 9 million hours to aid hunger relief efforts in communities worldwide. The effort has raised $36 million for WFP and other hunger relief organizations and is helping to provide approximately 160 million meals and save the lives of about 4 million people in remote corners of the world.



Yum! Brands, Inc., (NYSE:YUM) based in Louisville, Kentucky, is the world’s largest restaurant company in terms of system restaurants, with more than 36,000 restaurants in over 110 countries and territories. The company is ranked #239 on the Fortune 500 List, with revenues in excess of $11 billion in 2008. Four of the Company’s restaurant brands – KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell and Long John Silver’s – are the global leaders of the chicken, pizza, Mexican–style food and quick–service seafood categories, respectively. Outside the United States, the Yum! Brands system opened more than four new restaurants each day of the year, making it a leader in international retail development. The company has consistently been recognized for its reward and recognition culture, diversity leadership, community giving, and consistent shareholder returns.



Christina Aguilera is one of the most successful recording artists of the past decade, selling more than 42 million records worldwide. Aguilera’s 1999 self–titled debut album spawned three #1 singles on the Billboard Hot 100. Aguilera has won four GRAMMY Awards and one Latin GRAMMY Award.



WFP is the world’s largest humanitarian agency fighting hunger worldwide, and the United Nations’ frontline agency for hunger solutions. In 2009, WFP aims to feed 108 million people in 74 countries.

[NEWS] CHRISTINA AMONG INFLUENTIAL WOMEN TO BE HONORED BY 'VARIETY'

Stage veterans Christina Applegate, Anne Hathaway, and Sigourney Weaver will be honored at Variety's Power of Women luncheon, to be held on September 24 at the Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons Hotel. Jane Lynch will host the event.



The trade publication will also honor Christina Aguilera, Maria Bello, January Jones, Sherry Lansing, and Laura Ziskin. All of the women were chosen because of their charitable work.