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Who Will Perform A Tribute To Etta James At The Grammy Awards?

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Posted by Emily Exton on 01/20/2012 at 2:41 PM News

The Popdust Files: beyonce, christina aguilera, etta james, janelle monae, Jennifer Nettles, patti labelle, tributes

News of Etta James’ death has already led to an outpouring of grief within the music community and among her fans. With such an impact across generations and genres of pop culture—and more than one wedding reception—there will inevitably be performances dedicated to her memory in the days to come. If the Grammy Awards are truly “music’s biggest stage,” there’s no greater way for the industry to honor one of its own than with a large number in her memory. The annual award show loves its tributes and its multi-genre diva medleys, so we’ve given some thought to possible acts not already committed to performing on this year’s show. Whether Adele is ready to go or not, we’re fairly confident the curtain will rise with someone singing the first notes of James’ timeless “At Last.” Below, a list of who could do the late singer and four-time Grammy Award winner justice:

CHRISTINA AGUILERA
Xtina covered “Something’s Got A Hold Of Me” for the Grammy-nominated Burlesque soundtrack in 2010. Personal troubles and obligations to a certain CBS competitor aside, we imagine she’d be willing to perform in a major Grammy tribute for the second year in a row, if only to make up for her embarrassing exit last year.

BEYONCÉ
An obvious choice, not only because she portrayed James in Cadillac Records or performed “At Last” at President Obama’s inauguration in 2009, as Bey has become the go-to artist for emotionally significant performances. A tribute to James, the woman who publicly criticized her, in what could be her first post-baby performance could make for intriguing live television.

JENNIFER NETTLES
The country star might seem like a strange choice, but the Grammys love bringing together unlikely collaborations. The Sugarland singer’s booming voice has proven she can bring new perspective and plenty of emotion to tracks out of her comfort zone.

REBA MCENTIRE
The country queen’s 1988 version of “Sunday Kind Of Love” provides another plausible James connection and yet another genre-stretching draw to the night’s show.

JOSS STONE
The one-time Best New Artist nominee would fill the neo-soul void left in Adele’s potential absence, and helps the Grammys fill their British performer quota. On the heels of July’s LP1, a major live performance would serve to remind us of the power and unique tone to her voice.