You're Wrong On This One, Ms. Etta!
I love Etta James. I waited all day hoping she would issue at statement saying she was joking or that she was wrong, but that never happened. I understand the anger and frustration she may be feeling about Beyonce getting the spotlight with President Obama using her signature song, but Ms. Etta James is way out of line on this one. She owes both Beyonce and President Obama an apology.
She was asked to perform and she called in sick, it's not Beyonce's fault that she was there to fill the spot. Ms. James has lived hard and it has worn on her body, it's not the first time she's missed a golden opportunity because of her health. If she wants to blame anyone, she should blame herself.
And as an elder who has survived the worst of the music business, it is absolutely terrible that she attacked one of the most successful young black women in the industry. Beyonce has done nothing but show her respect and keep her name alive for another generation. Ms. James should be grateful instead of throwing stones.
