ETTA MOUTHS OFF

Posted Feb 06 2009 @ 10:31 PM

Making a special trip to Washington, DC in the days leading up to the inauguration, Beyonce Knowles put on quite a show on January 18. Taking part in the “We Are One: The Obama Inaugural Celebration at the Lincoln Memorial” showcase, B lent her voice to the festivities at the National Mall just before the inauguration. At the chilly outdoor performance, Beyonce wore an ornate chocolate brown coat (try CoutureCandy’s elegant outerwear options like Amberlynn’s Victoria Coat in Plum or Suzabelle’s Ballard Coat in Red) over a chic black turtleneck (similar to PGD Style’s Jaclyn Cozy Turtleneck Top in Black) with shiny black leggings. Sweeping her hair back into a sleek half up ‘do, B finished her look with black chandelier earrings (like Lisa K’s Lace Cake Earrings in Gold/Black), black boots and black gloves. What do you think of the look? Personally, I think it screams Sasha Fierce, letting us all know B’s new persona is here to stay in the New Year. In addition to her performance at the “We Are One” celebration, Beyonce sang Etta James’ classic “At Last” for the Obama’s first dance as President and First Lady at the Neighborhood Ball on the night of the Presidential Inauguration. Though I thought her performance was spectacular, apparently not everyone did – most notably Etta James herself! At a concert in Seattle last week, the aging songstress bashed both President Obama and Beyonce to the crowd, telling all: “I tell you that woman [President Obama] had singing for him, singing my song, she gonna get her ass whooped… The great Beyonce … but I can’t stand Beyonce. She has no business up there, singing up there on a big ol’ president day … singing my song ["At Last"] that I’ve been singing forever.” Coming from a woman who B recently portrayed onscreen, I’m a little taken aback by the stinging criticism! Do you think Etta should have been asked to sing the song herself, or was it best to ring in the new Presidential era with a fresh face?

Beyoncé Knowles seen in Washington, DC on Jan 18 2009.