**At 72, Chaka Khan Reveals the Six Singers She Hated the Most**

At 72, Chaka Khan, the legendary Queen of Funk, has opened up about her opinions on six singers she disliked, and she isn’t holding back.

From criticizing Mary J. Blige’s cover of *Sweet Thing* to accusing Mariah Carey’s success of being fueled by payola, Chaka’s unfiltered honesty has sparked controversy. While some call her boldness bitterness, others see it as bravery from a music legend refusing to bite her tongue.

**Mary J. Blige**

In the early 1990s, Mary J. Blige, then a rising star, decided to cover Chaka Khan’s iconic hit *Sweet Thing* as a tribute. However, Chaka wasn’t impressed. She felt Mary’s version lacked the emotion and quality of the original, even going so far as to say Mary “f***ed it up.”

In 2023, Chaka reignited the feud during a podcast interview, calling Mary overrated and questioning why the industry praised her so much. Despite the harsh words, Chaka insisted that she and Mary loved each other and remained friends. Their collaboration on the 2007 song *Disrespectful*, which won a Grammy, showed that they could work together despite their disagreements.

**Mariah Carey**

Chaka also took aim at Mariah Carey, one of the most celebrated vocalists of all time. During the same podcast, Chaka dismissed Mariah’s placement at number five on Rolling Stone’s “200 Greatest Singers” list, calling it “payola or something.”

She insinuated that Mariah’s success wasn’t entirely earned, which stirred backlash online. Later, Chaka apologized for her comments, stating that her emotions got the better of her during the interview. She emphasized her desire to uplift fellow artists rather than tear them down.

**Jennifer Hudson**

The tension between Chaka Khan and Jennifer Hudson became evident during the 2013 Soul Train Awards. Instead of performing on the same stage as Jennifer and Evelyn Champagne King, Chaka chose to sing separately. Reports suggested that Chaka requested this arrangement, leading to speculation about jealousy or pride.

Their strained relationship had been hinted at before, particularly when Chaka pulled out of a Whitney Houston tribute at the Grammys in 2012, allegedly to avoid performing alongside Jennifer. While neither party has publicly addressed the feud, fans continue to wonder about the source of their tension.

**Patti LaBelle**

Known for her powerful voice, Patti LaBelle has been a beloved figure in music for decades. However, Chaka criticized Patti for “oversinging,” implying that her dramatic style often overwhelmed the songs. While Chaka didn’t name Patti directly, fans quickly connected the dots. This comment reignited debates about the differing styles of the two legends, with some siding with Chaka’s soulful approach and others defending Patti’s bold performances.

**Diana Ross**

Chaka has also thrown shade at Diana Ross, calling her an “industry-made diva” who relied more on her image than her vocal talent. Diana, a Motown icon, is celebrated for her grace and star power, but Chaka felt that style overshadowed substance in Diana’s career. This critique sparked heated discussions among fans, especially since Diana and Chaka have often been compared as contemporaries.

**Natalie Cole**

While Chaka never publicly criticized Natalie Cole, insiders noted a quiet rivalry between the two. Natalie, the daughter of Nat King Cole, worked hard to establish her own identity in music but often felt overshadowed by Chaka’s bold style and fame. Though their feud was subtle, it reflected the competitive nature of the industry.

**A Complicated Legacy**

Chaka Khan’s life has been marked by immense talent, personal struggles, and bold opinions. She has faced heartbreak, including the loss of her mother and her son’s involvement in a legal case.

She also battled addiction, overcoming years of dependence on drugs and alcohol. Through it all, Chaka found strength in her music and used her experiences to help others, founding the Chaka Khan Foundation to support those in need.

Despite the controversies, Chaka remains a fearless voice in music, unafraid to speak her truth. Her critiques may divide opinions, but they also highlight the complexities of a legend who has endured both triumph and tragedy. At 72, Chaka Khan continues to inspire, challenge, and captivate the world with her honesty and resilience.