[NEWS] AN OPEN LETTER TO CHRISTINA AGUILERA, FROM DAVID

Dear Christina,

How I hoped to never have to go public with this, but your reluctance to embrace your true musical identity as represented by a series of misguided and utterly depressing CDs—Bionic anyone?— has really forced me to spill the beans. Let me me offer heartfelt apologies in advance for breaking your confidence and sincerely say, at the risk of sounding didactic, that I am doing this for your own good. You see, with the truth exposed you just might be forced to acknowledge that the bulk of your discography is an act of treason against the great artist you longed to be but are clearly afraid of becoming. Clearly the failure of these albums, a series of increasingly misspent efforts chasing radio trends with exponentially more lackluster results (made worse with each album’s concomitant and public announcement that the new collection “truly reflects your personal growth and authentic self,”) has not chastened you.

While I know it’s fun to be a TV star and spin around in your chair on the The Voice after six hours of hair and make-up, this strikes me as a betrayal of your tremendous early promise. For Stargayzing readers, permit me to tell the story from the beginning, which will make my motives clearer and, at the risk of sounding grandiose, might give you pause to consider that you are, in fact, standing at a creative precipice.

[PHOTOS] CHRISTINA AGUILERA, STEVIE WONDER, AND ROB LEWIS AT ETTA JAMES' FUNERAL

[NEWS] CHRISTINA NAILED HER IDOL'S SONG 'AT LAST' WITH AN UNBELIEVABLE RENDITION

The funeral for the late great Etta James, who died January 20 at age 73, was held yesterday, and the list of attendees read like a who's who in Hollywood -- particularly the music industry.

Reverend Al Sharpton officiated the private ceremony at the City of Refuge Church in Gardenia, California, where he read a personal note from President Obama which stated,"Etta will be remembered for her legendary voice and for her many contributions to our nation's musical heritage." Other celebrities present at the sad occasion were Christina Aguilera and Stevie Wonder, both who performed.

It was a somber event, and Etta is clearly going to be missed by all. But it was Aguilera's moving performance of "At Last", which she actually regularly includes in her concerts, that stole the show. Check out the video.

It can't be easy to perform one of your idol's most well-known songs at her funeral, but Christina nailed it, singing with love, grace, and respect. It was beautiful, and totally didn't seem like a "look at me, I'm a celebrity" moment. And, wow, what an honor it must have been to have been asked to perform. Christina told People,

"Etta wasn't just any performer, she was a strong woman whose talent came from a place so deep it moved people in ways they never felt before. Losing her was, to me, like losing a part of my soul."

The impact Etta had on the music industry -- and Christina-- clearly is indelible. And although the world is a bit darker without her in it, her legend will undoubtedly live on forever. Especially if Christina has anything to do with it. Nice job, girl.

Source: The Stir

[VIDEO] @HIPHOLLYWOOD BREAKS DOWN THE CEREMONIOUS CELEBRATION OF MISS ETTA JAMES

[SMART-PHONE FRIENDLY]

[PHOTOS] ETTA JAMES FUNERAL: 'AT LAST' PERFORMANCE

Christina Aguilera belts out Etta James‘ classic, “At Last,” at the late singer’s funeral on Saturday (January 28) in Los Angeles.

“She was the one that cut right through my soul. So tonight, Etta, this song is for you,” the 31-year-old entertainer said before performing.

Stevie Wonder also took the stage to sing “Shelter in the Rain” with a church choir, while Rev. Al Sharpton delivered the eulogy.

Etta passed away last week at the age of 73 due to complications from leukemia.

[VIDEO] ETTA JAMES FUNERAL: 'AT LAST' PERFORMANCE

[NEWS] CHRISTINA AGUILERA AND STEVIE WONDER SET TO SING AT ETTA JAMES' EULOGY