Few songs are as closely tied to Tina Turner’s legacy as “Proud Mary.” Though originally recorded by Creedence Clearwater Revival, it was Turner who transformed it into a fiery anthem of soul, rock, and sheer stamina. Her version—complete with the famous slow-burn intro before exploding into a whirlwind of dance and grit—remains one of the greatest live staples in music history. Which raises a question that fans still debate: if Tina could watch just one young artist perform “Proud Mary” today, who would she choose?
The answers reveal as much about Turner’s enduring influence as they do about today’s stars. Some argue Beyoncé would be the obvious pick. After all, Beyoncé honored Tina at the 2008 Grammys with a duet that remains unforgettable, seamlessly blending reverence with power. Their chemistry on stage suggested a torch had been passed, if only symbolically. For many fans, Beyoncé embodies the blend of discipline, vocal command, and stage electricity that Turner herself once defined.
Others point to Lizzo, whose joyful energy, powerhouse vocals, and fearless presence echo Turner’s spirit of liberation. Lizzo’s ability to combine showmanship with authenticity feels like something Tina would have applauded. Fans imagine her grinning from the audience, nodding in approval as Lizzo belts through the famous lines, “Rolling, rolling, rolling on the river…”
There’s also a strong case for artists like Jennifer Hudson, whose voice carries the gospel power and emotional depth that Turner herself leaned on. Hudson’s live performances are raw and commanding, the kind that fill every corner of a room—just the way Tina did. Some fans believe that if Turner wanted her signature song performed with vocal strength above all else, Hudson might be her choice.
On the other side of the debate are those who argue Tina wouldn’t look only at superstars. She was known to root for underdogs, to champion younger, emerging voices. For this reason, some suggest she might have picked a lesser-known but promising performer—perhaps someone cutting their teeth on small stages, full of hunger and authenticity. Turner, after all, knew what it meant to climb from obscurity with nothing but determination and raw talent.
What unites these debates is the recognition that “Proud Mary” is more than just a song. It is an endurance test, a story in itself, a performance that demands both discipline and abandon. Few can carry it without collapsing under the weight of Turner’s precedent. That’s what makes the question so captivating: who among today’s voices could carry that torch in a way Tina herself would admire?
The truth is, the answer may never be settled. Tina Turner turned “Proud Mary” into something no one else could truly own. But in imagining who she might have chosen, fans keep her spirit alive. Whether it’s Beyoncé, Lizzo, Jennifer Hudson, or a rising unknown, the debate itself proves the point: “Proud Mary” isn’t just Tina Turner’s signature—it’s her legacy, one that continues to roll on, inspiring new generations to try and match her fire.