Mediated Performances

Beyonce, OUR BELOVED BEYONCE, performed Etta James' song "At Last" at the Presidential Inauguration in January. She was invited to sing the song during the Obama’s first dance. Once Etta James found out that she was not asked to sing the song for the President and first lady, she backlashed by saying “I tell you that woman he had singing for him, singing my song, she gonna get her ass whupped. The great Beyonce. I can’t stand Beyonce… she had no business singing my song that I been singing forever.” Then she went on to bad talk the president, “You know your President, right? You know the one with the big ears? He ain’t my President.”*

The classic song has been used numerous times for movies, advertisements, special events, etc. It is a song we would probably be able to sing it word for word, it is that well known. Plenty of people have covered this song and Etta James has probably made quite a sum of money off of the people who have bought the rights to use it. The moment that Beyonce was invited to cover her song, James develops an attitude towards her. News reports stated that James was unable to attend the inauguration for health reasons. These are consequences of getting old (physical ailments, most importantly vocal loss) and Americans are going to want to see a younger, healthier Beyonce, perform the wonderfully romantic classic.

By insulting Beyonce, James caused up a stir that she did not realize would result in a bad outlook on her personality and ego. Beyonce did not lash out at James, which made her took like the innocent victim in this situation. Performance within performance? I think so.

*http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/02/05/etta-james-slams-beyonce_n_164177.html