Beyonce Slammed By Etta James

There's something scrappy in Hollywood's water -- mere days after the very unexpected Faye Dunaway/Hilary Duff feud was ignited, another old guard/new guard battle is blazing. This time around Etta James is kicking it old school -- and threatening to kick Beyonce's teeth in.

Now, I was under the impression that these ladies got on like gangbusters -- not only did Beyonce play Etta in 2008's "Cadillac Records," but Etta acted as a mentor to B and attended the December premiere. Well, that's all in the past because Etta is furious that Beyonce dared to sing her iconic "At Last" during the presidential inauguration.

While Beyonce has been going on for months about how Etta James is one of her idols, it appears the object of her affection has been wanting to kick her butt!

The 71-year-old singer seemingly had her feathers ruffled when she heard that Beyonce sang her eternal hit, At Last, at Barack Obama’s Inauguration Ball.

Said Etta at a concert in Seattle last week, “Your President, the one with the big ears … he had that woman singing my song. She gone get her ass whipped.” She added: “The great Beyonce … I can’t stand Beyonce.”

"I can't stand Beyonce! She's going to get her ass whooped," Etta screamed (via) at an event celebrating her career. The chanteuse went on to slam Barack Obama for selecting Ms. Knowles to do the honors. "You know your president, the one with the big ears -- he ain't my president -- he had that woman singing for him at his Inauguration. How dare Beyonce sing my song that I been singing forever!"

I can't decide why this bothers Etta so much now -- Beyonce had previously sang the song at Fashion Rocks, for AOL Live Sessions and in "Cadillac Records." Guess this was just one time too many.
Beyonce and her camp took the high road by not responding was reached for comment.

This, of course, begs the question: Team Etta or Team Beyonce?