Ledisi Channels Patti LaBelle With Powerful “New Attitude” Performance At 2023 CMT Smashing Glass
The 2023 Smashing Glass celebration honoring groundbreaking women in music proved the power of living legends and showcased a deep respect for artists who have passed.
Described as an all-new, genre-defying musical salute to the incomparable women who smashed stereotypes, broke records, and defiantly blazed trails for future generations of female artists, the televised event was recorded last month in Nashville at the Belmont’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts.
Aired on Wednesday (Nov. 15) on CMT, the night recognized Patti LaBelle and Tanya Tucker for their legendary careers. Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner, and Sinead O’Connor were honored with musical tributes.
Ledisi took the stage in honor of Patti LaBelle, delivering a stirring rendition of “New Attitude.”
“She made it ok to be different, to be comfortable in your own skin. She’s always inspired me to do that… be you and always stay ready,” shared Ledisi of her musical predecessor.
Patti LaBelle herself took the stage, kicking off her shoes to perform “2 Steps Away.”
Husband and wife duo The War And Treaty also serenaded Patti LaBelle with a performance of her No.1 hit record “On My Own.”
“We owe her everything!” the couple declared.
CMT Smashing Glass also included performances from Amber Riley, Mickey Guyton, and more.
“We’re beyond excited to bring this electrifying and empowering new franchise to life by honoring iconic women who’ve fearlessly ‘smashed glass ceilings’ and kicked in doors, holding them wide open for past, present and future generations,” expressed Margaret Comeaux, CMT’s Senior Vice President of Production, Music & Events and Executive Producer.
“Both Patti and Tanya deserve to be celebrated for continuing to set the industry gold standard with boundary-breaking crossover success, bold, uncompromising lives and careers, and creating timeless music and impact that remains as powerful and relevant as ever.”
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