According to the Daily News Etta James was pulling Bey’s leg with her comments in Seattle.

“‘I didn’t really mean anything,’ James said. ‘Even as a little child, I’ve always had that comedian kind of attitude…’”

She did go on to admit that she was upset.

“James said she was ‘feeling left out of something that was basically mine that I had done every time you look around.’”

Though she doesn’t want to “whoop” Beyoncé she does think she could’ve sang the song better in the same circumstance which she finds to be a “shame.”

While I can believe that this was blown out of proportion and Etta’s comments were perhaps taken out of context I do think she could’ve displayed a little more diplomacy given the spectacular media scrutiny surrounding the Inauguration and the occasion.

If you’re a living legend, the predecessor and (in my opinion especially if you’re female) shouldn’t you at least publicly have a little more grace? There’s just no way you won’t appear salty/defensive if you aren’t down for the homage. You’re allowed one snide Grande Dame comment like, “I’m delighted to have so heavily inspired the child and can only hope she’ll irrevocably alter musical history as I have,”-type comment. This situation also sorta reminds me of when Mary dismissed Keyshia Cole from singing at her BET Honor’s Event. Not to get all Art of War but if I’m Mary, with Mary’s pipes, I think I’d have just let Keyshia sing and then happily and promptly blasted her out of the water with my own crazy powerful rendition. Keyshia would have no recourse other than to be happy. Otherwise she’s just being bratty. Point Blige.

Ladies, what do ya’ll think?

Apparently, 50 Cent and Rick Ross aren’t the only musical heavyweights currently beefing.

At a recent performance, legendary soul singer Etta James told the crowd that Beyonce was “going to get her ass whooped” for singing “At Last” at one of President Obama’s Inaugural Balls [click here for the audio].

Wow, Ms. Etta! I guess you’re the real “diva”… even if you are TK years old.

Source: HelloBeautiful

For more Beyonce/Etta “love,” click:

Here to see our Cadillac Records premiere gallery!

Here to see Beyonce embody Etta in Cadillac Records!

And here to see Mrs. Carter as Sasha Fierce in the current issue of GIANT!

Beyonce serenades our new President and First Lady with Etta James’ classic love song, the appropriately titled, “At Last.” The couple has eyes only for each other, sharing laughs and quiet conversation during their First Dance, as attendees of the Neighborhood Ball (including Vanessa Williams, Kerry Washington, Mary J. Blige, Denzel Washington, Diddy, and will.i.am) watch on, some being brought to tears.

Beyonce is going to be singing the Etta James 1961 classic “At Last” for Barack and Michelle Obama’s first Inaugural dance. The superstar says it’s a “dream come true.” Peep Bey’s performance of “At Last” at Fashion Rocks!