As tributes began pouring in for iconic singer Tina Turner following news of her death on Wednesday, Lizzo sang her praises not from social media but from the stage that same night. During a show in Phoenix hours after the Queen of Rock n’ Roll’s death was announced, Lizzo honored her with a cover of “Proud Mary”.
“Today, we lost an icon,” Lizzo said midway through the show. “And I haven’t allowed myself to be sad. I haven’t allowed myself to cry about it. And I don’t want to right now because I’d much rather celebrate the incredible legend Tina Turner is. As a Black girl in a rock band, I would not exist if it was not for the Queen of Rock n’ Roll.”
The Footprint Center in Phoenix was quickly transformed from a basketball arena to a house of worship, as Lizzo delivered a fiery eulogy for her late inspiration. Working into a frenzy, the Special singer continued to amplify in intensity as she repeatedly shouted the phrase “There is no rock n’ roll without Tina Turner!”
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Tearing away the bottom half of her outfit, Lizzo cooly eased into the intro of “Proud Mary”. The Creedence Clearwater Revival original was one of Tina’s first hits in her duo days with abusive ex-husband Ike and served as a staple cover for the rest of her historic career. Tapping into the same intensity that propelled her earlier testimonial, Lizzo channeled Tina through her iconic dance moves as she belted out the verse one more time in tribute.
Watch Lizzo honor Tina Turner with a cover of “Proud Mary” in Phoenix. Lizzo’s Special Tour winds down with headlining dates across California as well as festival appearances at BottleRock Napa and Governors Ball. Tickets and a full list of tour dates are available on her website.
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