Showing posts with label TRIBUTE. Show all posts
Showing posts with label TRIBUTE. Show all posts

Monday, January 30, 2012

[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] MTV BUZZWORTHY: CHRISTINA AGUILERA COVERS 'AT LAST' AT ETTA JAMES' FUNERAL

Etta James' recent passing has lead to some of music's leading powerhouse voices covering the blues.

First, Kelly Clarkson paid an AH-MAZING tribute with her rendition of "I'd Rather Go Blind." And this weekend, Christina Aguilera delivered with her version of "At Last" during Etta's funeral.

The clip begins with Christina offering a heartfelt confession about the impact Etta left on Aguilera's own musical career. Then, the Grammy winner closes her eyes and begins belting out the opening notes to one of the most stunning renditions of "At Last" we've ever heard.

She channels her inner Etta and embraces a raspy, raw expression, closely resembling the intensity of the original. Christina reminds us that she can still hit and hold any note she damn well pleases and does it so flawlessly that she brings the entire audience to their feet.

We've definitely never been to a funeral where people openly cheer and offer a standing O -- then again, we've never attended a funeral where Christina Aguilera was performing. We think Christina did the classic song justice, and we think Etta herself would agree with us. Check out the video.

Source: MTV Buzzworthy

Sunday, January 29, 2012

[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

[TWEET] @SLAUGHTERATION: 'WATCHING MJ IMMORTAL SHOW!! @THEREALXTINA @PAULMORENTE @MOSLAUGHTER...'

[TWEET] @ANAOLICON: 'OMG! IT'S @THEREALXTINA I'M FREAKING OUT RIGHT NOW!

[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

Saturday, January 28, 2012

[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

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

[NEWS] MAKE-UP FREE & PANTLESS, CHRISTINA AGUILERA & MATT RUTLER ENJOY A NIGHT OUT

With the wild blonde hair, fish nets and other skimpy attire, Christina Aguilera could have been mistaken for another risque singer.

The popstar opted for a T-shirt and no trousers as she enjoyed a romantic meal with her boyfriend, Matt Rutler last night.

She bizarrely teamed the look with a pair of towering high heels, which would have better suited a nice evening dress.

And matched with a black leather jacket, the 30-year-old could have passed for Pretty Reckless rocker Taylor Momsen.

Except one thing was missing - make-up.

The usually heavily-painted star went slap free as she and Matt enjoyed a Monday night out dinner at Off Vine in Hollywood.

The restaurant which specialises in California American cuisine with an emphasis on generous portions of comfort foods such as pasta, meatloaf and steaks.

But the couple looked happy, Christina beaming widely as she skillfully navigated the stairs of the restaurant in her heels while clinging on to her man's arm.

There was no sign that the star was letting rival Kelly Osborne's comments about her weight get to her - or reports she has been told by executives on singing show, The Voice, to lose weight.
Christina, a judge on the U.S. show, is reportedly a size 12/14, or 9st, 4lbs, but has been told to lose 10lbs because it is 'difficult to dress her'.

A source told Closer magazine: 'TV bosses say it's a health issue. But what they really mean is she no longer looks sexy. She's been told to lose at least 10lbs before the next season starts in early 2012 - she went up two dress sizes in a matter of weeks.
Rocker chic? Former Gossip Girl star Taylor Momsen often goes without trousers

Rocker chic? Taylor Momsen often goes without trousers

'She's been recommended a nutritionist and is meant to be on a strict diet. But she enjoys a glass on wine, doesn't care what she eats and hates exercise.'

Friends said she 'comfort ate' after her divorce from husband Jordan Bratman was finalised late last year.

Christina is said to have gained three stone after she gave birth to her son max in 2008, but had slimmed down to a size 10 again last year.

The superstar was a tiny size six when she rose to fame as a teenager in 2000.

Meanwhile, Kelly Osborne discussed Christina's weight on E!'s Fashion Police Friday.

Co-host George Kotsiopoulous defended her unflattering get-up at last weekend's Michael Jackson tribute concert.

He pointed out that she was 'still probably a [American] size 2/4' despite her poor outfit choice.

'Trust me,' Kelly, 26, sniped. 'I'm a 2/4. That is not a 2/4.'
She continued: 'She called me fat for years. I was never that fat.'

Fashion police co-host Joan Rivers agrees with the analysis.

'Lady Marmalade got into the peanut butter again,' she said.

Christina has been the source of criticism for pairing a tight-fitting black bodysuit with fishnets, heavy-handed makeup and massive hair.

On a previous episode of the E! commentary show, Ozzy Osbourne's daughter had also attacked the Burlesque star's size.

'Maybe she's just becoming the fat b***h she was always born to be. I don't know. She was a c*** to me', she said.

'She called me fat for so many f***ing years," Osbourne vented, 'so you know what? F**k you! You're fat too.'

Kelly has battled her own weight issues in the past, but after appearing on Dancing with the Stars in 2009, managed to lose and keep off 48 pounds.

Source: DailyMail