Outspoken Grammy-winning artist Chaka Khan is backpedaling on controversial remarks she made recently about Rolling Stone ’s 200 Greatest Singers of All Time list.
She’s Sorry
The 69-year-old music icon was on the list but had some feisty words for the other honorees. She’s now saying sorry.
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She Posted The Apology On Instagram
In a statement posted on Instagram , Khan addressed an interview she did last week in which she threw shade at the other singers, including Mariah Carey , Adele , and Mary J. Blige .
‘Pitted Against Other Artists’
She began her post by writing, “Recently, I was asked about a list of the ‘greatest singers of all time’ and instead of questioning the need for such a list, I was pitted against other artists and I took the bait.”
‘Not A Competition’
“As artists, we are unfairly put into ‘boxes’, ‘categories’ or on ‘lists,’” she continued. “Being an artist or musician is not a competition. It’s a gift, for which I am truly grateful.”
She Didn’t Mean ‘To Cause Pain’
She then offered her apology, saying she didn’t intend “to cause pain or upset anyone.”
She Wants To Empower Others
After thanking her fans for their love, Khan wrote, “I have always been about empowering others and I started a foundation for that very purpose. I will be announcing soon.”
Artists Are The ‘Architects Of Change’
To conclude her post, she stated, “Empowering all artists is most important because we truly are the architects of change…and change begins within the heart. I love you all and God bless.”
The Iconic Singer’s Portrait
Accompanying the lengthy statement was a photo of Khan wearing a nude outfit, dangling earrings, a gold headband, and her signature brightly colored curls.
Her Expletive-Laced Interview
The Through the Fire singer grabbed headlines days ago when she opened up about what she thought of the Rolling Stone roster in an expletive-laced interview on The Originals podcast.
She’s Number 29
Although she made the list at a very respectable number 29, she wasn’t too impressed.
She Hadn’t Heard Of The List Until Then
In fact, she hadn’t even heard of the list until the host told her about it.
“These people don’t quantify or validate me in any way,” she said.
What Caused Her Mood To Change
However, her nonchalance turned to shock when she found out who made the roster ahead of her.
Mariah Carey On The Fifth Spot
When she was told that Mariah Carey was the fifth greatest singer of all time according to the magazine, Khan chalked it up to “payola or some s**t like that.”
Adele On The 22nd Spot
Adele, meanwhile, had snagged the 22nd spot – seven places ahead of her. The I Feel for You singer couldn’t believe it and declared she was quitting.
Mary J. Blige On The 25th Spot
And when she was told that her frenemy, Mary J. Blige, had beaten her by four spots at 25, she totally lost it.
Rolling Stone Has ‘No Eyes’ And ‘No Ears’
She called Rolling Stone ’s editors “b****es” who are “blind as a motherf***ing bat” and said they could use some “hearing aids,” too.
What’s With The Extreme Reaction?
The reason for the animosity? Khan was displeased when Blige covered her 1975 song, Sweet Thing , in 1992.
Her Beef With Blige
From then on, she would introduce it during her concerts as “the song Mary J. Blige f***ed up.”
They sort of reconciled later, though, and even collaborated on a recording in 2007.
Celebrating 50 Years In Music
Now that she’s apologized for the controversy, how about we focus on celebrating her milestone—her 50th anniversary in the music industry?
