Patti LaBelle Marks 81st Birthday with Sold-Out Celebration at Barclays Center

Patti LaBelle rang in her 81st birthday with a powerful performance and heartfelt celebration at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center on Saturday, May 24. The Grammy-winning icon headlined the sold-out show as part of the Queens Tour, which also features legendary artists Gladys Knight, Stephanie Mills, and Chaka Khan.

Early in her set, LaBelle addressed the milestone with pride and humor. “Let me say something. I have so many people who are afraid to say how young they are,” she told the cheering crowd. “Don’t be scared. 81 is wonderful, okay? Happy birthday.”

As her set neared its finale, LaBelle was joined on stage by a group of loved ones and colleagues. Among them were her son and longtime manager, Zuri Kye Edwards, and representatives from the Black Promoters Collective — Shelby Joyner and Walt Reeder Jr. — the force behind the Queens Tour.

With balloons, flowers, and friends surrounding her, LaBelle grew emotional reflecting on her decades-long career and the enduring support of fans. “We don’t take that for granted. We are such hardworking women,” she said. “I’ve been doing it for 65 years, and to still have people come to see our show — we are truly blessed.”

She made sure to spotlight those who help make her performances possible. “I can’t do all of this without my band, my crew, my lighting, my sound, my security — which I don’t need — but I’ve got Will. And this is for my son, Zuri,” she said, as she received a stylish Goyard Saigon handbag onstage.

The celebration reached a high note as 50 Cent’s “In da Club” blared from the speakers and LaBelle was surprised with an elaborate birthday cake that read: “Happy birthday to the Godmother. Cheers to 81 [years] young.”

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