Chaka Khan Says Some Pop Stars Use Physical Performance to Mask Weak Singing

Chaka Khan, the legendary singer often called the “Queen of Funk,” has criticized what she sees as a shift in modern pop performances, arguing that some artists rely too heavily on physical spectacle instead of vocal ability.

Speaking on Jessie Ware’s Table Manners podcast in an episode reported around March 25, 2026, Khan said the standards of the music industry have changed significantly over time. “The game has changed,” she said, adding that “all bets are off” in today’s music landscape.

Khan specifically took issue with performances that emphasize choreography and physical display. She suggested that artists who focus heavily on “physicalities” with their bodies may be compensating for weaker vocal skills. According to her, strong singing should remain the core of any performance.

Her comments echoed similar remarks from fellow singers Patti LaBelle and Stephanie Mills, who are currently touring with Khan. Both artists have said their shows rely on live vocals without “tricks” or “pretend singing.” Khan agreed with that approach, emphasizing that the real effort in performing should be in the singing itself rather than added production elements or “bells and whistles.”

Despite her criticism of broader trends, Khan also highlighted artists she respects. She praised singer-songwriter Sia, her goddaughter, describing her as a complete artist with emotional depth and strong songwriting ability.

Khan’s remarks come at a time when she remains active in her career. At 73, she is touring with LaBelle, Gladys Knight, and Stephanie Mills in “The Queens: 4 Legends, 1 Stage” tour, which is scheduled to run through May 2026. The tour celebrates decades of music from four influential performers.

The singer is also marking 50 years in the music industry, a milestone that reflects a career built largely on vocal performance rather than visual spectacle.