The 2024 Grammys witnessed an extraordinary moment when two iconic African-American women, Fantasia Barrino and Oprah Winfrey, came together to pay tribute to the legendary Tina Turner. This collaboration not only showcased the immense talent of these women but also highlighted the enduring impact of Turner's music on generations.
Fantasia Barrino, a Grammy-winning artist herself, possesses a soulful voice that captivates audiences worldwide. Her ability to infuse raw emotions into her performances has earned her critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base. On the other hand, Oprah Winfrey is a media mogul and philanthropist who has become an influential figure in American culture. Her presence on stage alongside Barrino symbolized the merging of music and media in celebrating Turner's legacy.
To conclude the multi-performance In Memoriam segment at the Grammys, Winfrey took the stage to discuss the personal impact that Turner, who passed away last May at the age of 83, had on her after being a longtime fan, and how Turner’s legacy will continue to stand tall in popular music. “Tina’s voice continues to speak to all of us,” Winfrey told the arena crowd, before ceding the stage to multi-instrumentalist Adam Blackstone and Barrino.
“Tina Turner was always a towering figure,” Winfrey said as a guitarist started playing the iconic guitar riff for “Proud Mary” to back her. “She is our forever goddess of rock & roll, who inspired millions, a moving symbol of grace and grit, soul and power. Our love and respect for Tina grew as we witnessed her bravely reclaim her freedom. From the moment I met Tina, first as a fan, then later blessed to become her friend, she was a special kind of role model… And as those big wheels of time keep on turning, Tina’s voice continues to speak to all of us.”
The tributes were led by Stevie Wonder, who honored the late Tony Bennett with a medley of his songs. Annie Lennox joined the segment next, honoring the Sinéad O’Connor by singing “Nothing Compares 2 U.” Jon Batiste, introduced by Lenny Kravitz, celebrated music executive Clarence Avant, who Kravitz called the “Godfather of Black Music.”
Other performers through the show included Billy Joel, Billie Eilish, Burna Boy, Dua Lipa, Joni Mitchell, Tracy Chapman, Luke Combs, Olivia Rodrigo, SZA, Travis Scott, and U2.
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