While introducing her self-proclaimed idol to the stage, Beyonce read what seemed to be a scripted speech , by enthusiastically referring to Tina Turner as “the Queen.”
Aretha Franklin has been known as as the Queen of Soul for many many years, seems to have hurt feelings about that and recently was quoted saying of Beyonce’s remark:
“I am not sure of whose toes I may have stepped on or whose ego I may have bruised between the Grammy writers and Beyonce, however I dismissed it as a cheap shot for controversy,” she told People in a statement. “In addition to that, I thank the Grammys and the voting academy for my 20th Grammy and love to Beyonce anyway.”
Aretha won best gospel performance for “Never Gonna Break My Faith,” her duet with Mary J. Blige.
Tina Turner has long held the nickname: Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll. She’s used the title throughout her long career and even released a concert film bearing the name in 1984.
Beyonce and the Recording Academy have not commented on Aretha’s statement.