Andrew White
Beyonce has paid a musical tribute to her late idol Tina Turner.
The “Single Ladies” singer used the platform of her Renaissance tour of the UK to remember Turner, who passed away last Wednesday (May 24) at the age of 83.
Wearing an all-blue ensemble with matching gloves, Beyonce performed a simple cover of Ike & Tina Turner’s 1966 hit “River Deep – Mountain High,” originally produced by Phil Spector.
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On this occasion, Bey did not attempt to match Turner’s energetic version, instead interpreting the song as a powerful ballad.
Beyonce greeted the ‘Nutbush City Limits’ star at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in north London on Monday night (May 29), the first of a five-day show.
Next stop on the Renaissance World Tour: Barcelona’s Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys on June 8th.
Bey, like so many artists, was heartbroken when news of Turner’s death reached her.
“My beloved queen. I love you endlessly,” read a message Beyoncé posted to her website. “I am so grateful for your inspiration and all the paths you paved the way. You are strength and resilience. You are the epitome of power and passion. We are all so happy to have witnessed your kindness and your wonderful spirit which will live with us forever. Thank you for everything you have done.”
Inspiration turned to collaboration when the two teamed up at the 50th Annual Grammy Awards in 2008. On this occasion, superstar artists “Proud Mary”, Ike & Tina performed Turner’s cover of the 1971 Creedence Clearwater Revival classic.
Three years earlier, Beyoncé had performed the same song solo at the 2005 Kennedy Center Honors honoring Turner.
Bey spoke fondly of Turner as her tour paused at Paris’ Stade de France last week. “I just want to take a moment and honor Tina Turner,” she told the crowd. “If you’re a fan of mine, you’re a fan of Tina Turner. I wouldn’t be on this stage without Tina Turner, so I want you guys to just scream so she can feel your love. I feel so blessed to have witnessed their brilliance.”
Watch fan-shot footage of Bey’s musical tribute to Turner below.