Fans have been left stunned as Yolanda Adams, Fantasia, Jennifer Hudson and Queen Latifah paid tribute to Patti LaBelle at theGrio Awards.
Patti LaBelle was honored with the Music Icon Award at the inaugural Byron Allen Presents theGrio Awards ceremony on Saturday, November 26.
The award ceremony is about celebrating black excellence across 14 categories including film, music, comedy, sports and education as well as recognizing those who are making an impact and amplifying the culture in their work and everyday lives.
Patti LaBelle honored at the 2022 Grio Awards
The 78-year-old who is often referred to as the “godmother of soul”, rose to fame in the 1960s as the frontwoman of the vocal group Patti LaBelle and the Bluebelles was given the Music Icon Award.
When accepting the award she said: “My, my my, thank you so much. I’m honored to be in the presence of all the honorees.
“I think Byron Allen is a genius. His mind is so wonderful creating this wonderful award for all of us.”
She went on to explain she’s “not a talker” but added: “I get shy when I have to talk, but Byron thank you so much for all you’ve done and all you’re going to continue to do.”
Patti Labelle performs with Fantasia and Yalonda Adams at theGrio
Queen Latifa, Fantasia, Yalonda Adams and Jennifer Hudson belted out a powerful cover, alongside LaBelle, to pay tribute to her.
The temporary supergroup took to the stage to perform their version of the Karyn White R&B classic Superwoman.
Hudson and Latifa were both honorees that evening as they walked away with the Trailblazer Icon Award and Television Icon Award, respectively.
Fan stunned by LaBelle tribute performance
Fans were left stunned as the supergroup of talented women took to the stage and some fans even went on Twitter to thank Labelle for her performance.
In a statement he made when the awards were announced, Byron Allen — chairman and CEO of Allen Media Group, which owns theGrio — revealed the inspiration behind the ceremony.
“I created theGrio Awards to celebrate and amplify African-American excellence and the incredible champions from other communities who truly support us,” he said. “Celebrating and amplifying iconic individuals is something we can never do enough of, especially for our children.”
In other news, Record number of baby boomers living alone – study says it harms mental health
