Update 03/06/2023 10:29am:

Chaka Khan is speaking out after her comments about Rolling Stone's "200 Best Singers of All Time" list, where she was placed at #29. 

In an interview with Andrew Goldman for The Originals podcast and Los Angeles Magazine, Chaka Khan stated that Mary J. Blige was "flat" on the remake of her song "Sweet Thing." When it came to Mariah Carey's spot at #5, Chaka believed she was placed so high because of "payola or some sh*t like that."

On Sunday (March 5), Chaka shared a message on Instagram, where she apologized. She wrote, "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. As artists, we are unfairly put into ‘boxes’, ‘categories’ or on ‘lists.’  Being an artist or musician is not a competition.  It’s a gift, for which I am truly grateful." 

Chaka added, "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."

Original 03/02/2023 3:43pm:

Chaka Khan is known not to hold back her opinions when it comes to the entertainment industry, and she spoke her mind about Rolling Stone’s “200 Best Singers Of All Time” list published in January 2023.

While speaking to Andrew Goldman for The Originals podcast and Los Angeles Magazine, Chaka Khan admitted that she was unaware of the list, in which she was ranked at #29. Before sharing her thoughts on the list, Chaka clarified, "I didn’t even know what the hell you were talking about, so obviously this don’t mean a great deal to me. These people don’t quantify or validate me in any way." 

Goldman went on to ask Chaka about singers ranked above her, including Mariah Carey, who Chaka thinks was placed at #5 because of "payola or some sh*t like that." After learning that she was placed behind Mary J. Blige, who came in at #25, Chaka stated, "These are blind bi**hes! They are blind as a motherfu**ing bat! They need hearing aids…These must be the children of Helen Keller!" 

Chaka spoke more about Mary J. Blige, including revealing her reaction to Blige's cover of the Rufus & Chaka Khan song "Sweet Thing." She stated, "I told her her vocals were flat." 

When Chaka learned that Adele was ranked #22, she said, "Okay, I quit." The only placement she approved of was Aretha at #1, "As she f**king should be."