Chaka Khan, Queen of Funk, closed out the American Music Awards 50th Anniversary Special, which aired Sunday night (Oct. 6) on CBS.
The iconic singer, joined by Sheila E. on the drums, took the audience and viewers back to 1978 to perform her classic “I’m Every Woman.”
The empowering anthem, written by Nickolas Ashford and Valerie Simpson, was the first single from Khan’s debut solo album, Chaka.
“I’m Every Woman” spent three weeks at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart (now called Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs). It also peaked at No. 21 on the Hot 100.
In 1992, Whitney Houston covered Khan’s “I’m Every Woman” for The Bodyguard soundtrack. Houston’s rendition peaked at No. 4 on the Hot 100.
Earlier this month, Khan received a platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for “I Feel for You,” the title track and lead single from her 1984 album.
“I Feel for You” is Khan’s cover of Prince‘s song, which appeared on his 1979 debut album. Khan’s rendition peaked at No. 3 on the Hot 100, becoming her first top-10 hit on the popular singles chart.
Circling back to “I’m Every Woman,” Khan is developing a new musical inspired by the track. I’m Every Woman – The Musical, which is now set to premiere in fall 2025.
According to the logline, “Her story will be explored and experienced in flashbacks utilizing the unique concept of a present-day musical within a musical about Chaka Khan herself. A journey of music, love and betrayal, this brand new musical reveals the woman behind the diva.”
I’m Every Woman is written by award-winning playwright and screenwriter Tina Andrews (Why Do Fools Fall In Love?) and directed by Racky Plews.
Check out Chaka Khan’s full performance at the AMAs 50th Anniversary Special below.
