Natalie Cole’s Family Upset At Grammy’s ‘Disrespectful’ Tribute

Natalie Cole's family is extremely disappointed that the 2016 Grammys did not pay a live-performance tribute to the multi-awarded R&B, jazz and pop singer. Although the music icon was featured in the usual annual "In Memoriam" segment of the ceremony, her family members think that it was not enough.

Speaking to Entertainment Tonight after the ceremony's telecast, Natalie's sisters, Timolin and Casey Cole, said that they are sad that the Grammy's gave the singer a "forgettable tribute." "Words cannot express the outrage and utter disappointment at the disrespectful tribute, or lack thereof, to a legendary artist such as our sister."

Natalie's son Robert Adam Yancy was also upset about the brief tribute for her mother. "Here is a woman who has been in the business for four decades, had 21 Grammy nominations and won nine Grammys. She deserves more than (to be a part of) a minute-and-a-half tribute," he expressed.

"It was shameless the way they minimized her legacy. We will find solace in her legacy as well as her endless fans around the world," Yancy added.

Aside from her family, some celebrities are also disappointed about Natalie's inappropriate tribute. Singer-songwriter Eric Benet posted a video on Facebook questioning Grammy's snub to Natalie's legacy.

"Didn't even talk about Natalie, such a powerhouse of pop, jazz, soul, Grammy artist and no tribute to Natalie Cole. So Grammys, shame on you, shame on you, shame on you," Benet said in the video.

American actress and singer Holly Robinson Peete also aired her disappointment on Twitter. "We lost so many greats but Natalie Cole 1st African American to win Best New Artist deserved a tribute," she said on her tweet.

According to the Billboard, the Monday night's ceremony featured live-performance tributes to late music icons like David Bowie, B.B. King, Maurice White, Lemmy Kilmister and Glenn Frey. Although there is no scientific way of determining that an artist's legacy outweighs others', Natalie won more Grammys in her lifetime compared to Bowie, White, Kilmister and Frey.

Huffington Post reported that Natalie died last January at the age of 65 due to several health issues. She had battled drug issues and hepatitis.