Beyoncé Pays Tribute to Tina Turner With a Powerful Performance

On the left, Beyonce performs in a puffy dress; on the right, Tina Turner poses on a red carpet.

Photos: kohanova1991/Depositphotos (left), ChinaImages/Depositphotos (right)

Tina Turner left an indelible mark in the world of music. From overcoming severe obstacles on her way to the top to opening doors for aspiring female musicians and artists of color, her legacy will live on for ages. Recently, Turner sadly passed away at age 83, after battling a long illness. The announcement prompted luminaries to pay their respects and share what made Turner such a special figure. Among all the tributes, the words of Beyoncé, one of the biggest stars in the world, were particularly poignant.

Shortly after the news broke of Turner's passing, Beyoncé took to her official website to post a moving message. “My beloved queen. I love you endlessly,” the singer wrote. “I’m so grateful for your inspiration, and all the ways you have paved the way. You are strength and resilience. You are the epitome of power and passion. We are all so fortunate to have witnessed your kindness and beautiful spirit that will forever remain. Thank you for all you have done.”

The singer also shared a picture of them bowing toward each other following a performance at the 2008 Grammys, where they sang “Proud Mary” as a duet. Beyoncé has long spoken about her admiration for Turner, and even performed a tribute to her in celebration of the Kennedy Center Honor she received in 2005. “I never in my life saw a woman so powerful, so fearless, so fabulous—and those legs!” the “Crazy in Love” singer said back then.

Beyoncé, who is in the middle of her Renaissance World Tour, has also taken a moment on stage to celebrate Turner's life. Performing in Paris two days after her idol's passing, Beyoncé spoke to the crowd about what the “What's Love Got to Do With it” singer meant to her. “If you’re a fan of mine, you’re a fan of Tina Turner. I wouldn’t be on this stage without Tina Turner. I want you guys to scream so she can feel your love. I feel so blessed that I was alive to witness her brilliance,” she said.

During her next tour stop, Beyoncé paid yet another tribute to her hero, this time in the form of a song. As part of the opening act of her high-energy show, a blue-clad Beyoncé serenaded her London audience with a touching rendition of “River Deep, Mountain High,” a song by Ike & Tina Turner originally released in 1966.

Beyoncé wasn't the only member of the Knowles family who paid a tribute to Turner. Tina, Beyoncé's mom, also took to Instagram to praise the “We Don't Need Another Hero” singer. “The world is a less better place without this legendary, gorgeous resilient woman,” Knowles wrote. “When I need to get my super strength together and know that I can overcome anything, I think of Tina Turner who started over in her mid 40’s and became the biggest super star. It always gives me hope that it’s not about the age it’s about the person. Today I celebrate this amazing, beautiful, resilient queen she will be sadly missed. She was ‘Simply The Best.’”

As Beyoncé's world tour continues, it's easy to draw parallels between both artists. With the “CUFF IT” singer playing to sold out arenas around the world, one can only imagine Turner feeling very proud of her protegée, who carries the torch of empowered creators who battled the darkness to bring millions together and light up lives through music.

After the news broke of Tina Turner's passing, singer Beyoncé took to her official website to post a moving message:

Beyoncé, who is in the middle of her Renaissance World Tour, also spoke to her Paris crowd about what Turner meant to her.

Days later, during her London show, she performed a touching rendition of “River Deep Mountain High.”

Beyonce: Website | Instagram | Spotify
h/t: [Cosmopolitan]

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Regina Sienra

Regina Sienra is a Staff Writer at My Modern Met. Based in Mexico City, Mexico, she holds a bachelor’s degree in Communications with specialization in Journalism from the National Autonomous University of Mexico. She has 10+ years’ experience in Digital Media, writing for outlets in both English and Spanish. Her love for the creative arts—especially music and film—drives her forward every day.
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