Gladys Knight Calls Patti Labelle About Doing Dancing With The Stars

We haven’t heard a lot from the Patti Labelle and Artem Chigvintsev Camp, but, below is a take from the Clarion Ledger. It has quotes from Patti and how she’s fairing so far in rehearsals for Dancing With The Stars. Check out how Gladys Knight called her….

“It’s not easy. It’s not easy, but it’s something that I can do,” LaBelle said with a chuckle Monday, five minutes before her third day in DWTS rehearsals. “I’m learning, but it’s a lot to do when you do ‘Dancing with the Stars.’

“You’re dancing with professionals, and I am just a singer and I’m not a dancer. Girl, I’ve been working it, though. I’ve been working really hard to stay on point.”

The Grammy-winning LaBelle, who performs in Jackson Friday night at the Jackson Convention Complex, is in the cast of the 20th season of “Dancing with the Stars,” premiering at 7 p.m. March 16 on ABC. The singer who put “Lady Marmalade,” “New Attitude” and more on the hit charts is partnered with Artem Chigvintsev, who’s traveling with her to keep rehearsing. Some background footage for the show will be filmed here.

This, she said, is “totally different” from any past stage experience. “When I go out to sing, I know what I’m gonna do. I don’t practice for that. This, I have to practice for, because this is something I’ve never done.

“My friend Gladys Knight (a 2012 DWTS competitor) called this morning, and said, ‘Girl, you’re in for something!’ She said, ‘I’m so happy you said yes.’ I said, ‘At 70, why say no?'”

LaBelle may present her partner Chigvintsev at her Jackson concert. “It’s not definite if I will, but I’m going to use my judgment. … I think it would be nice.

“He is with me forever, until I’m put off the show,” she said, laughing. “He’s with me for a long time because I’m going to win!”

You can read more at the Clarion Ledger.

Patti and Artem working on their frame! #DWTS

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