AUDIO: ETTA JAMES DISSES BEYONCE & THE PRESIDENT (UPDATE)
Thursday, February 5, 2009

ETTA JAMES DISSES BEYONCE
Etta James has lashed out at Beyonce weeks after Beyonce sang her classic song “At Last” for the Obamas’ first dance at the Neighborhood Inaugural Ball last month.
At a concert in Seattle last week, James told the crowd:
“I tell you that woman he had singing for him, singing my song, she gonna get her ass whooped,” sarcastically calling her “The great Beyoncé.”
And she went on.
“I can’t stand Beyoncé… [she] had no business … singing my song that I been singing forever.”
She even dissed the President:
“You know your President, right? You know the one with the big ears? He ain’t my President.”
Beyonce played James in “Cadillac Records,” and they seemed chummy at the premiere (pictured above) last December. James was unable to attend the inauguration for health reasons.









359 Comments
COMMENT PAGES: [1] 2 3 4 5 » Show All
1.
Qudoubleen
Thursday, February 5, 2009 /
WOW
2.
Hey
Thursday, February 5, 2009 /
Thats dumb…
3.
jodi
Thursday, February 5, 2009 /
…ahahhahhhahah, Etta must be high,again”!
4.
Ren
Thursday, February 5, 2009 /
I think that lacked class but oh well… It is what it is…
5.
CJ
Thursday, February 5, 2009 /
That has to be the most ignorant thing I’ve ever heard. She should have expressed this from the very start.
6.
Where is da love
Thursday, February 5, 2009 /
ROFL wow lol.
well thars wat beyonce gets.
she aint liked in everyones eyes.
etta james had her opinion.
cuz one it is her song and two…id be mad if beyonce played me in a movie sucked.
lmao.
oh wellszz
7.
Someone
Thursday, February 5, 2009 /
Poor Etta, she’s upset because it looks like death rolled over her face twice. Hate is unattractive on anyone but Ms. James certainly didn’t need help in that department.
P.S. My mom though etta was already dead so she should be happy people even remember her crusty song…I do like that ssong though. lol
8.
FlyguyNY
Thursday, February 5, 2009 /
Is That Really her?? Shes’ Sounds Like A Man!! She needs to sit her old ass down somewhere. don’t be bitter you old hag. Ol’ Heffa
If Its Really her..LOL
9.
fly
Thursday, February 5, 2009 /
too funny!!!!
10.
Let me just say this..... (I don't care if you get mad)
Thursday, February 5, 2009 /
I think Etta was embarassing… and she is hot because she wasn’t invited to the inauguration at all more so then Bey singing her song.. well Etta that is your signature song that should be respected, however Bey is whom The President and First Lady did invite and want to hear sing the song get over it….
11.
BE
Thursday, February 5, 2009 /
Obviously someone has lost their d##m mind. So this is really irrelevant.
12.
ron
Thursday, February 5, 2009 /
it’s one thing to be old….but old and stupid should be a crime. so sad.
13.
bigHEADred
Thursday, February 5, 2009 /
lmao she on dat white shit again! how she gone say she liked it but now she dont
14.
Where is da love
Thursday, February 5, 2009 /
Lol and why did i think etta james was dead..
wow.. anywhoz.. she looks like the wicked witch from death.
15.
Sas
Thursday, February 5, 2009 /
Does she have a point? I don’t agree that she should whop anyone’s ass, but still…
16.
Kay Kay
Thursday, February 5, 2009 /
Okay….WOW! Is senility stepping in or what? That just sounds straight up tacky. Why she went off like that? She has a right to her opinion but damn. It ain’t like they could have asked her to sing it and she would have sounded like she did, what is it 40 or 50 years ago? C’mon Etta stop the madness. Funny thing is I didn’t even know she was still alive ubtil I just saw the pic with her and Bey.
17.
Let me just say this..... (I don't care if you get mad)
Thursday, February 5, 2009 /
That actually isn’t Etta James’ song… but she put the song on the map with her version. The song was originally written by Matt Gordon and recorded for a musical. I think Nat King Cole recorded it and then Etta James recorded it and made it her own with her sultry voice.
18.
NO DRAMA OBAMA
Thursday, February 5, 2009 /
Etta James needs to take her medication.
I’m no fan of Beyonce at all. But to make these types of comments on such a historic night is really uncalled for. This goes against everything that that night stood for. Beyonce did a good job that night and she put her nation first. And I think it was just great timing for Beyonce since she did that song in the movie it’s not like she went out of her way to disrespect anyone. I personally think Obama should have chosen Jennifer Hudson because she was from Chicago but this was clearly the Obama’s choice and Etta needs to respect that and show come class.
Also, sorry Etta Obama is your President and if you don’t like that leave America.
FYI Etta…At Last is not your song. And you are not even the first person to sing it and as of Now Beyonce owns it…and may have the most popular version of it…she was a part of HISTORY. Etta get a LIFE.
19.
Montè
Thursday, February 5, 2009 /
LMFAO. I’m only LMFAO because to think a lady her age would actually let something like that come out her mouth. Like seriously Etta? Is it that deep? Like really? But when they we’re promoting Cadillac Records, she sure was smiling and talking about how much she liked B. Maybe she’s back on that sh!t again. Get her ass outta here!
20.
Where is da love
Thursday, February 5, 2009 /
when i heard this on the kathy williams show
i really thought sumone was pulling a prank
like improv or wat eva dem comedians do.
21.
forfunqa
Thursday, February 5, 2009 /
wow, she is so hot!! Let’s have fun with honey singles…for casual encounters, try
out ___CasualMingle.,c.o,m, Let’s Spice up our life.
22.
PHILLY
Thursday, February 5, 2009 /
____MAYBE BEYONCE UPSET HER__LIKE BEES DIDNT SPEAK TO DIANA ROSS WHEN SHE DID DREAM GIRLS…DIANA HAD TO GET UP AFROM HER SEAT AND SAY SOMETHING TO HER….
23.
T. Renae
Thursday, February 5, 2009 /
is she’s upset then fine. however, it wasn’t necessary for her to express herself in that way. she is TOO OLD to be tryna call ppl out and beef. that is just so sad to me. as an older woman she should know better and she should most def want to live her last years PEACEFULLY. i wonder is bey is gonna release a statement. if she doesn’t, i know daddy knowles will, smh.
24.
Maria
Thursday, February 5, 2009 /
Looks like Etta is a hater…..I just lost the little respect I had for her.
25.
twobits
Thursday, February 5, 2009 /
Well everyones entitled to their own opinions. Beyonce has to understand the fact that not EVERYONE likes her. People have to also understand that perhaps Etta was or is a bit upset that someone else is singing her song at the inauguration. Im sure she wished to be there.
Plus just because Obama was elected pres. doesnt mean everyone should except the fact that he’s in office.
26.
Slanted
Thursday, February 5, 2009 /
how classy of Etta……*inserts sarcasm*
27.
PHILLY
Thursday, February 5, 2009 /
WHY IS _____ETTA JAMES…BOOB_____ FALLING OUT THE BOTTOM OF HER SHIRT?
28.
Vee1
Thursday, February 5, 2009 /
____Too funny…I’m guessing Etta must still be getting high. I think this is great she needs to be knocked down a peg or two, obviously all the press and pictures of Etta and Bey together for the movie was all fake.
29.
shhh.....
Thursday, February 5, 2009 /
>>>>everybody saying etta was wrong, its about time sometime step to ms. >>>>>beyonce about stealing shit and trying to make it your own, shoo etta is not having that….its just sad that it took an old lady to do it, LOL
30.
MRSJONES
Thursday, February 5, 2009 /
ETTA JAMES IS AN OLD A$$ BITTER A$$, FAKE A$$ HATER. SHE PROBABLY CAN’T EVEN SING THE SONG THAT WELL ANYMORE. AND THEN SHE HAD THE NERVE TO TALK ABOUT MY PRESIDENT? WOMAN GO ON SOMEWHERE WITH YOUR ONE HIT WONDER SELF, YOU AREN’T RELEVANT ANYMORE
PS: YOU LOOK LIKE THE CRYPT KEEPER
31.
trina b
Thursday, February 5, 2009 /
Etta has every reason to be upset. This woman is a legend and she is still living so Beyonce should have never performed her song at the inauguration. Beyonce needs to understand she was only allowed to sing the song in the first place because she was playing the character in a movie. The movie flopped and that should be the end of it. Beyonce cannot go around singing a song that doesn’t belong to her. But that’s just her way of doing things. You guys remember what she did to Desiree’s song Kissing you. She straight up shit on it. For all you who just don’t get, show respect to those who paved the way for the likes of Beyonce the Great!
32.
Nothing But Love
Thursday, February 5, 2009 /
LMAO!!!! Etta dont play… Beys too fass so thats what she gets. Bey wouldn’t like it if Rihanna was up there singing Dangerously in love. Etta is STILL ALIVE so theres no reason why she couldn’t of sung the song.
I dont think she meant what she said about Obama i think she was just venting, but TRUST she meant what she said about Beyonce!!!
33.
CHICAGO KID 20
Thursday, February 5, 2009 /
I think Etta is CRAZY and WAY OFF!
Beyonce was selected by the Obama’s to sing that song and she did a great job.
Obama and his wife picked her to do it and she rose to the occasion.
Etta you have no grounds wanting to attack a young and successful person who could be your granddaughter. I’m amazed that she even came out her face like that.
Sad day for her because Beyonce comes off looking like a total class act.
34.
ladytroublesome
Thursday, February 5, 2009 /
Ha!
35.
Preston
Thursday, February 5, 2009 /
Etta is just creating drama to be back in the limelight she’s mad because the Obama’s wanted Beyonce to sing at last instead of her ….Really what she said shows no class at all.
36.
Get'em
Thursday, February 5, 2009 /
>Super WOW!!!!! I hope Beyonce doesn’t respond to that.
37.
Get'em
Thursday, February 5, 2009 /
>>They chose Beyonce to sing.It is not her fault they want her and not Etta James.
38.
lolita
Thursday, February 5, 2009 /
Etta James is Ignorant. Geeez. At that age too? *smh*
39.
CHICAGO KID 20
Thursday, February 5, 2009 /
@ Trina
Etta does not own that song and she can be upset sure but Obama selected Beyonce to sing that song because she sang it in the movie. And the song had many meanings for that night. To verbally attack Obama and threaten Beyonce is just not right and you know it stop being so hateful and open your eyes to what really went down. And fyi. Etta James is not the first person to sing that song and she does not own it. Anyone can sing it and Beyonce did a good job it was a great night.
40.
dukesman2000
Thursday, February 5, 2009 /
—Etta done lost her cotton picking mind
41.
kori
Thursday, February 5, 2009 /
I mean its kinda true… i kno beyonce can sing, but she takes EVERYTHIN that she ever sings and claims it as her own,… a classic song is entitled to hav the singer… and she does this for every song she does,… she did it for the song ne-yo wrote for her and she did it for dreamgirls, and now she’s doin it for etta james…. there is nothing wrong w/ the fact that etta doesnt like it… some old folk hold on to their youthful memories. Beyonce is young she should make her memories for herself instead of takin everybody else’s and claimin them as her own….. she needs to stop tryna b what people want her to be and be her age..27.. she’s bout to be 30 and married, not sayin that she should stop singin and calm down and stop shakin her ass…
42.
Where is da love
Thursday, February 5, 2009 /
i dont understand how everyone is saying etta james is in the wrong..
Thats like sumone stealing ur man and then flaunting him in ya face.
i bet you would be pissed too and wanna vent. telling anyone and everyone who would listen.
43.
the truth
Thursday, February 5, 2009 /
etta lol i know thats right but then again beyonce doesnt have classy songs she would have have sun put a ring on it for there dance or stole from somebody. else….diva my ass lmao
44.
Louis RICH
Thursday, February 5, 2009 /
If Ms. James wants to vent on someone she should start with her FANS! They are the ones who left her high & dry, no one is questioning that “At Last” is her song, but to feed into the hatred for Beyonce’ is not a good look, especially when we’re always being taught to mind & respect our elders. If u don’t like her that’s cool, if you don’t like the president, that’s cool too, but blame yourself & your fans for the downfall of your career, you don’t see Chaka Kahn getting upset everytime someone ask Mary J. to sing “Sweet Thing”! people cover people’s songs all the time & that’s the nature of the business, I’m sure Ms. James signed of in some way whether it was her likeness or music. I won’t say she needs to grow up cause she is a legend & deserves respect but the thing that our “legends” need to do is stop being so insecure about being forgotten! After all if it wasn’t for Beyonce’ many young folk (who have very short attention spans BTW) wouldn’t even know who you are, so lighten up
Oh yeah I know she probably take the high road, but just once I’d like for B to address the haters by letting them know she ain’t no punk or pushover! lol
45.
Greg_Arious
Thursday, February 5, 2009 /
Sorry Etta but your song as iconic as it may be would not have even been chosen as the first dance song had Beyonce not revived interest in it in Cadillac Records. Up until then the song had slowly become something American Idol hopefuls sing to impress the judges. So please dont get your bloomers in a bunch over this b/c YOU were NEVER in the running to sing yo MY President and MY first lady. Old crackhead joint.
46.
Channel
Thursday, February 5, 2009 /
WOW…………What the hell set her off? I guess she’s just mad that she wasn’t invited. I’m not the biggest Beyonce fan but what she did was rude and unnecessary,and at her age she should have more class then that.
47.
2_Cents
Thursday, February 5, 2009 /
WOOOOWWW! That was really tasteless and uncalled for. No, she doesn’t have to like Beyonce but threatening to whoop her ass is something different…real talk I thought she was dead too!
48.
DownSouth1981
Thursday, February 5, 2009 /
I think that Etta was on target for with what she said. We all know that the real Etta James doesn’t hold her tongue for anybody. I don’t agree with what she said about the president, but I do agree that Beyonce has been singing her song at other events besides this one. I’m glad she said something so now we will no longer hear Beyonce singing her song at events. That sad thing is that Bey doesn’t have any songs in her own library that she can sing at events like that one. She has every right to be pissed. I’m glad somebody has the gusts to stand up to her. Her performance in Cadillac Records was horrible the other actors and actresses made the movie good.
49.
☆★Megan★☆
Thursday, February 5, 2009 /
Beyonce is probably what Etta always wanted to be. Hate always stems from some deeper issue within yourself. She’s needs to check that before checking Beyonce.
And that was absolutely disrespectful to our President.
She sounded a lil drunk to me.
50.
iknowdasrite
Thursday, February 5, 2009 /
Nobody would be looking for Etta, even if her song was a classic, if it werent for Beyonce and Cadillac Records reviving the interest in the song! So Etta can sit down with the rest of them lol. She better be watching out for Mathew over her shoulder!
51.
☆★Megan★☆
Thursday, February 5, 2009 /
And I know Etta is supposed to be a legend, but truth be told, Beyonce sounded better than Etta singing it. Somebody uses your stuff and makes it better, I’d be mad too. I’m just sayin…
52.
iknowdasrite
Thursday, February 5, 2009 /
And when Bey tried to hug up on Etta at Fashion Rocks last year Etta was not feelin it! LOL people are SO FAKE, that is a shame to be her age and be frontin
53.
Beyonce is #1 on the World Charts
Thursday, February 5, 2009 /
…….The sad part is that Etta didn’t write the song, and she wasnt even the first to sing it. She not only disrepected Beyonce, but had the audacity to disrepect Obama. Beyonce has little more class, so I know she will not even respond. But I would tell Etta off
54.
MAI03
Thursday, February 5, 2009 /
Etta is just gangsta..lol. Well, i guess it is what it is. etta obviously isn’t biting her tounge for no one. Etta’s old now, but young etta probally would of confronted Bey long time ago..lol. Read Etta’s autoboigraphy..interesting stuff.
55.
Diamond_101
Thursday, February 5, 2009 /
wow, that old lady has no shame!
She is definitely jealous and bitter too.
And why is she dissing the president?!
56.
O LORD
Thursday, February 5, 2009 /
Is this old hag serious? Shes mad she didnt get invited to sing or something? WTF. Beyonce played her in the movie, and Etta attended the premier like it was all gravy. Then Beyonce releases this cover of her song on the soundtrack.. but the old hag waits until two weeks after this to be a hater? Why b/c Beyonce did a good job and no one cared about who originally sang it lol. Thats some BS. Go sit down somewhere Etta you playin yourself. Whos @$$ you gonna whoop? Cuz my money is on Bey for this one. Oh dont hate on my presidents ears either you miserable trick!
57.
Beyonce is #1 on the World Charts
Thursday, February 5, 2009 /
….You don’t have to like Beyonce or Barack, but to be that disrepectful is not called for. Especially to beyonce, who obviously thinks highly of Etta’s pruned-faced ass
58.
LB
Thursday, February 5, 2009 /
Damnnn!..that was so uncalled for..For Etta James to be as old as she is, she sure is poppin something serious off at the mouth..but as far as I can see it, Etta James ain’t to old to get HER ass beat. If you can pop off at the mouth you can take a beat down, i don’t care how old you is..If I was Beyoncé i wouldn’t take that shit..I mean Beyonce was doin her a favor..Etta James need to sit her old bitter ass down somewhere..they need to put her ass in home…talking shit, is you serious. Beyonce singing “At Last” was basically a way of saying “Finally AT LAST America we have a black president”, it was days when ppl would say “there will never be a black president” and now look at us. Then not only did she diss beyonce, but she diss obama….bitch done lost it!
59.
nish-nish
Thursday, February 5, 2009 /
@49 No one needed Beyonce to revive interest in Etta’s song. I just got married this May, and I chose At Last as our first dance and I’m 29. It’s a classic and will always be with or without Bey. Some people really give Bey too much credit.
60.
Ren
Thursday, February 5, 2009 /
I find the comments interesting because from the beginning Etta James knew Beyonce was going to play her. Also, the movie has a soundtrack and of course, Beyonce is suppose to sing Etta’s song as part of promotion. Etta got paid for the movie and from the soundtrack. Therefore, this movie put Etta back in the limelight once again. Talking about whipping ass and big ears lacks class, it seems like a grown women should be able to express herself in a better way. Of course, people may think the comments are funny but five weeks from now who really cares. I’ll file this one under publicity stunt and I need to jump start my career.
61.
London
Thursday, February 5, 2009 /
#25 i think that was meant to be ‘accept’ not ‘except’…get it right
And whether he is accepted or not, the fact remains Obama is President of the United States and if you are from there, he is indeed your president. Who else you gonna call your president??SMH
Etta sounds like a man. Beyonce did a good job. how is she gonna disrespect Obama and Beyonce like that. Get the fucc outta here
62.
Diamond_101
Thursday, February 5, 2009 /
@ 52 - Exactly! she isnt even the original singer of this song. lol
63.
Nothing But Love
Thursday, February 5, 2009 /
#49
You need the shut the hell up cuz you sound like damn FOOL!!! Etta may have been out of line. But NOBODY including Etta was begging Beyonce to sing that song so if you think that Beyonce was doing her a favour then your an idiot!!!
64.
Beyonce is #1 on the World Charts
Thursday, February 5, 2009 /
…….Well she should be mad at EVERYONE who has ever sang “At Last”.
65.
I need Etta to stop snorting that bone!
Thursday, February 5, 2009 /
1. Beyonce was invited to sing at the inaugaration as Mary, Alicia, and a sleuth of others.
2. President Obama and First Lady Michelle requested THAT SONG because that was the 1st dance song in their wedding. That is their song for personal reasons. They asked Beyonce to do it because they heard HER version and enjoyed it.
3. ETTA has clearly vocalized she aint no OBAMA FAN and she doesnt like him…so my point… why invite her ole ass! She is tired, her song is a classic we all agree, but she was out of pocket on this….she gets a “HO SIT DOWN”!
4. I know Bey wants to fuck her ass up for tryin it!
66.
Doland
Thursday, February 5, 2009 /
Everyone thought this old woman was dead until Beyonce revived her name. These old idiots and their jealousy are acting ridiculous.
Beyonce hardly ever remakes old songs, but Alicia Key’s entire career is based off of other peoples’ work and no one says a damn thing.
67.
I need Etta to stop snorting that bone!
Thursday, February 5, 2009 /
I have seen everybody from folks on American idol to christina agulara sing AT LAST …i never heard a peep out of anyone……
SELECTIVE CRITISISM!
68.
MRSJONES
Thursday, February 5, 2009 /
SOME OF YOU ARE IDIOTS. WHEN THE HELL DID BEYONCE CLAIM “AT LAST” AS HER OWN? THAT’S NOT EVEN POSSIBLE. ETTA IS FAKE AS HELL TO ACT LIKE SHE LIKE BEYONCE WHEN THEY WERE PROMOTING “CR” AND NOW SHE’S DOES A COMPLETE 360 MAKING THREATS ON SOMEONE THAT COULD BE HER GRANDDAUGHTER? ALL BEY HAS TO DO IS PUSH HER OLD A$$ DOWN AND SHE WOULD BE SCREAMING “I’M FALLING AND I CAN’T GET UP”
69.
kmniles
Thursday, February 5, 2009 /
Your sugar is low Etta…eat a sandwich
70.
Reccy
Thursday, February 5, 2009 /
LMAO! That’s hilarious! Bout time somebody put B on blast! lol
71.
D-Redd
Thursday, February 5, 2009 /
@ 25
U sound stupid! Your unexcepting of Barack being in the office dosen’t change the reality that he is!! President Obama!! Deal with it!
72.
MissCelestine
Thursday, February 5, 2009 /
I think that Etta was just being Etta: eloquent or not. She was right. It was very disrespectful for Beyonce to sing her song. And contrary to popular belief there are many jazz and bues followings that are very aware of the fact that such an icon is still alive. Personally, I am ashamed at the number of you who are willing to say such rude things about your elder while shedding Beyonce in such a positive light. If it were not for Etta Beyonce would not exist..and that’s the way it is. Beyonce should be ashamed and I think an apology is needed.
73.
lil mama c4
Thursday, February 5, 2009 /
I knew this was going to be fllled with ignorance I was waiting to see someone say “if it wasn’t for Bey no one would know the song” yall do indeed give that girl too much fking credit anyone who loves good MUSIC knew who the hell Etta James is I mean lets me serious that song been a classic way before we knew who the hell Beyonce was! Everyone knows Etta is a real bitch and dont hold her tongue for no damn body…everyone keep stressing history and the meaning of the song ok true then why not have a person that actually know the real struggle of civil rights sing the classic she’s known for?????? If I went to club and saw Gravy still performing Big Poppa like his ass was still in character I wouldn’t think that was right..its one thing to promote a movie..she’s not in character anymore and I dont care who own the song ask you parents or grandparents when they hear the title ” AT LAST” who comes to mind and I bet they will say Ms. James not no damn Beyonce..so it’s her damn song!
74.
Queen of Sheba
Thursday, February 5, 2009 /
You know what i’m upset about is she said that “that’s not my president” that’s plain ignorant. She should be proud to have him as her President considering the era she grew up in. That’s alright though let’s not dwell on ignorance. Beyonce ain’t worried about Etta. Etta would still be sitting in a corner somewhere…with no one paying attention to her if it wasn’t for Beyonce playing her role or singing her song. She’s upset because she’s no longer the Great Etta James….She’s been replaced!!
75.
Intrigue216
Thursday, February 5, 2009 /
Wow Etta James ain’t playing! Ya’ll know Mama Tina is going to step in for Beyonce, lol. I’m not mad at Etta for speaking her mind, she could have just been a little more classy about it though. She is three times Beyonce’s age.
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