Beyonce Knowles to Play Etta James? Say It Ain't So!!!!
Okay. I've read it from two, separate sources now. Beyonce Knowles apparently is slated to play Etta James in the biopic "Cadillac Records."
Somebody's casting agent apparently has been smokin' crack.
This is THE WORST idea. I'm hoping to high heaven it's a groundless rumor.
Beyonce has respectable voice, but she simply does not have the classic R&B pipes of Etta James. When you do a story about someone like James, first and foremost is the music.
You GOTTA respect that.
This casting choice dumps what this woman's entire professional life has been about in favor of some (presumed), shallow box office appeal.
Beyonce as Etta? I mean REALLY!
The very thought of it makes me wanna hurl. And why on earth Etta would agree to such a travesty is completely beyond me.
Jennifer Hudson's triumph in "Dream Girls" should tell people something - that talent when it comes to Black music is far more important than sex appeal or name recognition. We expect someone to deliver when they step up to that microphone. And Beyonce is completely incapable of delivering a convincing performance as Etta James. Where is that blast-furnace intensity? That husky, growling, hair-raising, gut-busting, snarling, gospel, FONKY earthiness that embodies Etta James' style?
Beyonce doesn't have it, can't get it. And you damned sure can't fake something as real as that.
Please, please, PLEASE, people. Do a talent search if you have to. Find some undiscovered gem who will shine in the role and respect Etta James' talents and legacy as an artist.
But don't let Beyonce do this. Because she can't.
I mean just day-um!
