Chaka Khan apologizes for shading Mariah Carey, Adele, and more

Written by ABC AUDIO ALL RIGHTS RESERVED on March 6, 2023

Chaka Khan is apologizing for the recent comments she made about other artists that appeared on Rolling Stone‘s “200 Greatest Singers of All Time.”

Taking to Instagram Sunday evening, the icon explained, “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.”

The “I’m Every Woman” singer went on to express that artists are “unfairly put into ‘boxes’ or on ‘lists'” and added that it’s “not a competition.”

“It’s a gift, for which I am truly grateful,” she continued. “It was not my intention to cause pain or upset anyone. To anyone that felt this way, I sincerely apologize.”

“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,” she added. “Empowering all artists is most important because we truly are the architects of change…and change begins within the heart.”

She concluded, “I love you all and God bless.”

The apology come after Chaka appeared on Los Angeles magazine’s The Originals podcast and seemingly shaded other artists like Mariah Carey, Adele, Mary. J. Blige, who ranked higher than her on the Rolling Stone‘s list. Khan came in at No. 29, while the others landed at No. 5, No. 22, and No. 25, respectively.

When asked about Carey’s position, Chaka said, “That must be payola or some [stuff] like that.” And, she dismissed Adele’s ranking, responding, “OK, I quit.”

When it came to Blige, Chaka said, “They are blind as a motherf*** bat! They need hearing aids … these must be the children of Helen Keller!”