Celebs

Chaka Khan Apologizes For Criticism Of Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey & Adele: ‘I Took The Bait’

The Queen of Funk, Chaka Khan, is apologizing for her recent comments regarding the vocals of Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, and Adele. The 69-year-old recently shared her thoughts about the singers and their inclusion in Rolling Stone’s 200 Greatest Singers of All Timelisticle during a recent podcast appearance and her sentiments shocked the world.

RELATED:LISTEN: Chaka Khan Says Mary J. Blige’s ‘Vocals Were Flat’ On ‘Sweet Thing’ Cover Also Fires At Mariah Carey & Adele

Chaka Khan Apologized For Her Criticism Of The Singers’ Vocals Via Instagram

The 69-year-old took to Instagram on Sunday to recap the incident that prompted her criticism. She also explained that artists shouldn’t be categorized by their gifts.

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.

As artists, we are unfairly put into boxes, categories or on lists. Being an artist or musician is not a competition. Its a gift, for which I am truly grateful.

Additionally, Chaka Khan went on to apologize for her criticism of the other singers on the list and the hurt she may have caused them.

It was not my intention to cause pain or upset anyone. To anyone that felt this way, I sincerely apologize.

Additionally, the 69-year-old revealed that she’s working on a foundation to empower others, with more information to be announced soon.

Thank you for all the love everyone has shown me, unconditionally. I have always been about empowering others and I started a foundation for that very purpose. I will be announcing soon. 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 – Chaka

Chaka Khan’s Previous Comments About Rolling Stone’s Listicle

The 69-year-old previously appeared on The Originals podcast with Los Angeles Magazines Andrew Goldman. Goldman congratulated Khan for being listed at #29 in Rolling Stone’s 200 Greatest Singers of All Timelisticle.

However, Khan replied by saying that the list doesn’t “mean much” to her.

I didnt even know what the h*ll you were talking about, so obviously, this dont mean a great deal to me. These people dont quantify or validate me in any way.

The 69-Year-Old’s Criticism Of Fellow Singer’s Vocals

Khan went on to criticize a few singers that the publication ranked ahead of her. The first included Mariah Carey, who was ranked #5 on the list.

That must be payola or some s**t like that.

The second included Adele, who ranked #22.

Okay, I quit.

Then, Mary J. Blige, who ranked at #25, sparked the biggest reaction from Khan.

They are blind as a motherf*****g bat! They need hearing aidsThese must be the children of Helen Keller!

Khan Went On To Call Mary J. Blige’s Vocals “Flat”

Khans response prompted Goldman to reflect on when the singer criticized Mary J. Blige for her cover of the1975 Rufus ballad Sweet Thing. Mary J. Blige placed her cover for the song on her 1992 debut album, Whats The 411?

Goldman said that Khan publically declaredthe cover the song Mary J. Blige f****d up at a public concert years ago. However, Khan refuted Goldmans assertion, explaining that she told Blige directly that she messed up her song.

But I told Mary J. Blige she f*****d it up! Number one, her vocals were flat. And I asked her, what time of day was it, or night what were you doing when you decided to cover Sweet Thing?

Despite her transparent criticism, Khan maintained that she and Blige have an open relationship and don’t have any problems with one another.

I love her. She loves me and we dont have a problem.

Roommates, are you happy to see that Chaka Khan apologized for her comments?

Jadriena Solomon

Jadriena “Jade” Solomon is a journalist and editor, specializing in beauty, fashion, entertainment, and culture. A graduate of CUNY Brooklyn College’s Journalism and Media Studies program, she began her career in 2015, publishing independent op-ed articles, and has since built a strong digital media portfolio across reporting, editing, and hosting for major media companies. As The Shade Room’s Senior Editor, Jadriena helps lead editorial direction, manages writers and editors, and has contributed more than 2,600 stories with over 45M page views since her start in 2022. Her past roles include contributing and staff positions at HelloBeautiful, Blavity News, 21Ninety, and Bronze Magazine. She has interviewed talents such as Tamron Hall, Eboni K. Williams, Tia Mowry, LeToya Luckett, Salt-N-Pepa, and more.

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