Beyonce pays tribute to Tina Turner with cover of “River Deep – Mountain High” – Billboard

Andrew White

Beyoncé performed a musical tribute to her late idol, Tina Turner.

The “Single Ladies” singer used her own platform Renaissance Tour the UK to remember Turner, who passed away last Wednesday (May 24), at the age of 83.

Wearing an all-blue ensemble, with matching gloves, Beyoncé performed a backing cover of Ike & Tina Turner’s 1966 hit “River Deep – Mountain High,” originally produced by Phil Spector.

On this occasion, Bey did not attempt to match Turner’s high-energy version, instead re-imagining the song as a power ballad.

Beyoncé paid tribute to the “Nutbush City Limits” star Monday night (May 29) at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in north London, the first of five nights.

Next stop on Renaissance World TourEstadi Olímpic Lluís, a subsidiary of Barcelona on June 8th.

Bay, like many artists, was heartbroken when news of Turner’s death reached her.

“Dear Queen. I love you endlessly,” reads a message Beyoncé posted to her website. “I am so grateful for your inspiration, and for all the ways you paved the way. You are strength and resilience. You are the epitome of strength and passion. We are all fortunate to have witnessed your kindness and beautiful soul that will live on forever. Thank you for all that you have done.”

Inspiration became a collaboration, when they joined forces at the 50th Annual Grammy Awards in 2008. On that occasion, “Proud Mary” featured artists Ike and Tina Turner, the 1971 cover of Credence Clearwater’s revival of the classic.

Three years earlier, Beyoncé performed the same song solo at the 2005 Kennedy Center Honors, in honor of Turner.

Bey spoke fondly of Turner when her tour stopped last week at the Stade de France in Paris. “I just want to take a second and honor Tina Turner,” she told the crowd. “If you’re a fan, you’re a Tina Turner fan. I wouldn’t be at this point without Tina Turner, so I want you guys to just scream, ’til you feel your love. I feel so lucky that I was allowed to witness her brilliance.”

Watch a fan video of Bay’s musical tribute to Turner below.