NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 24: Chaka Khan attends Angel Ball 2022 hosted by Gabrielle's Angel Foundation at Cipriani Wall Street on October 24, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for Gabrielle's Angel Foundation)
The Queen of Funk, Chaka Khan, is apologizing for her recent comments regarding the vocals of Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, and Adele. The 69-year-old recently shared her thoughts about the singers and their inclusion in Rolling Stone’s “200 Greatest Singers of All Time” listicle during a recent podcast appearance and her sentiments shocked the world.
The 69-year-old took to Instagram on Sunday to recap the incident that prompted her criticism. She also explained that artists shouldn’t be categorized by their gifts.
Recently, I was asked about a list of the ‘greatest singers of all time’ and instead of questioning the need for such a list, I was pitted against other artists and I took the bait.
As artists, we are unfairly put into ‘boxes’, ‘categories’ or on ‘lists.’ Being an artist or musician is not a competition. It’s a gift, for which I am truly grateful.
Additionally, Chaka Khan went on to apologize for her criticism of the other singers on the list and the hurt she may have caused them.
It was not my intention to cause pain or upset anyone. To anyone that felt this way, I sincerely apologize.
Additionally, the 69-year-old revealed that she’s working on a foundation to empower others, with more information to be announced soon.
Thank you for all the love everyone has shown me, unconditionally. I have always been about empowering others and I started a foundation for that very purpose. I will be announcing soon. Empowering all artists is most important because we truly are the architects of change…and change begins within the heart. I love you all and God bless – Chaka
The 69-year-old previously appeared on The Originals podcast with Los Angeles Magazine’s Andrew Goldman. Goldman congratulated Khan for being listed at #29 in Rolling Stone’s “200 Greatest Singers of All Time” listicle.
However, Khan replied by saying that the list doesn’t “mean much” to her.
I didn’t even know what the h*ll you were talking about, so obviously, this don’t mean a great deal to me. These people don’t quantify or validate me in any way.
Khan went on to criticize a few singers that the publication ranked ahead of her. The first included Mariah Carey, who was ranked #5 on the list.
That must be payola or some s**t like that.
The second included Adele, who ranked #22.
Okay, I quit.
Then, Mary J. Blige, who ranked at #25, sparked the biggest reaction from Khan.
They are blind as a motherf*****g bat! They need hearing aids…These must be the children of Helen Keller!
Khan’s response prompted Goldman to reflect on when the singer criticized Mary J. Blige for her cover of the 1975 Rufus ballad “Sweet Thing.” Mary J. Blige placed her cover for the song on her 1992 debut album, What’s The 411?
Goldman said that Khan publically declared the cover “the song Mary J. Blige f****d up” at a public concert years ago. However, Khan refuted Goldman’s assertion, explaining that she told Blige directly that she messed up her song.
But I told Mary J. Blige she f*****d it up!… Number one, her vocals were flat. And I asked her, ‘what time of day was it, or night — what were you doing when you decided to cover ‘Sweet Thing’?
Despite her transparent criticism, Khan maintained that she and Blige have an open relationship and don’t have any problems with one another.
I love her. She loves me — and we don’t have a problem.
Roommates, are you happy to see that Chaka Khan apologized for her comments?
