It is a risky move for an artist to reinterpret a classic song from a legendary singer, but Christina Aguilera’s gospel rendition of Etta James’s “At Last” moved those in attendance at James’s funeral services Saturday at the Greater Bethany Community Church City of Refuge in Gardena, California.

Aguilera dropped her already deep register a few octaves to belt the song’s opening, “At last,” prompting shouting and whistling from the congregation. Before Aguilera began singing, she described James as “the one that cut right to my soul.”

After the opening, Aguilera’s vocals complimented the church organ and piano arrangement. The popular wedding song took on a new direction. The lines “My lonely days are over,” “The skies above are blue,” and “And here we are in heaven” now felt more spiritual than romantic.

The approving onlookers offered a standing ovation.

Source: Yahoo! Music

Christina Aguilera performed a powerful rendition of ‘At Last’ at Etta James’s funeral. Aguilera cited the singer as a major inspiration for her career, saying that she sings the song at every show when she tours.

Source: Digital Spy

Christina Aguilera is known for her powerhouse pipes, but even she topped herself at music icon Etta James’ funeral. The 31-year-old singer displayed raw emotion as she performed at the blues legend’s memorial service today at the City of Refuge Church in Gardena, just outside of Los Angeles.

The Voice judge looked sensational as she belted out James’ hit song, At Last, wearing an all black ensemble.

Source: Daily Mail

Etta James, who died on Friday, was a huge influence on Christina Aguilera. She’s performed James’ classic “At Last” throughout her career, and also sang James’ “Something’s Got a Hold On Me” in her movie Burlesque. So it’s no surprise she’s paid tribute to James with a posting on her official website.
“Etta James was a force to be reckoned with. A true gift to music and a woman of great spirit and courage,” Christina writes. “Her raw tone and the passion she put forth on a record spoke to me at a very young age and has continued to influence and inspire me throughout my career.” Christina finished by saying of James, “She will NEVER be forgotten, her voice will forever live on and she will inspire talent for generations to come.”

Source: Kiss925.com

A tearful and emotional Aguilera sang James’ “At Last” (watch the performance below) while Wonder performed “Shelter in the Rain” and “The Lord’s Prayer.”

Source: Hollywood Reporter

Among the stars performing tributes to James were Stevie Wonder and Christina Aguilera, who told the gathering that she has included “At Last” in every concert she’s performed as a tribute to her musical inspiration. The assembly roared to their feet, and would again stand to applaud performances by Wonder and Aguilera, who filled the sanctuary with their voices. “Out of all the singers that I’ve ever heard, she was the one that cut right to my soul and spoke to me,” Aguilera said before her performance.

Source: Billboard

Thanks to Beto for lining up the positive reviews on Christina performance at Etta James funeral.