Etta James R.I.P. — 10 Amazing Covers To Honor Her Memory

Idolator Staff | January 20, 2012 1:00 pm

It is with a heavy heart that the music industry, and the world, says goodbye to one of the greatest female vocalists of all time today. Etta James, the legendary soul singer most famously known for her 1960 rendition of the softly swaying love song “At Last,” passed away in California on Friday (January 20) after a years-long battle with leukemia. James’ impact has reverberated through nearly six decades of pop music and will continue to influence future generations of musicians, as evidenced by the umpteen covers of her hits by artists and reality TV talent competition hopefuls alike.

For a taste of this, we’ve compiled a list of our 10 favorite Etta James covers below. Watch Adele, Beyoncé, Christina Aguilera, Kelly Clarkson and more pay tribute to the legend after the jump.

Beyoncé – “At Last” (for President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama’s first dance at the 2009 Inaugural Ball) NOTE: this one wasn’t Etta’s favorite, but it was a soulful, emotional performance.

Christina Aguilera – “At Last” (Live from London)

Kelly Clarkson – “At Last” (American Idol audition, 2002)

Celine Dion – “At Last” (Live on the Oprah Winfrey Show)

Cyndi Lauper – “At Last”

Jason Mraz – “At Last”

Rachel Crow – “I’d Rather Go Blind” (The X Factor)

Adele – “Fool That I Am”

Josh Karjcik – “At Last” (The X Factor)

Rod Stewart – “I’d Rather Go Blind”

What is your favorite Etta James cover? Tell us in the comments, or on Twitter and Facebook.