Ledisi on 'Selma' Beyonce Grammys Controversy: 'I Didn't Have a Clue'

When Beyonce took the stage at the 2015 Grammys Sunday night and sang “Precious Lord, Take My Hand,” the song popularized by actress and singer Ledisi in the movie “Selma,” fans across the country united online in anger.

Ledisi plays Mahalia Jackson in the Oscar-nominated movie and sings "Precious Lord" on the film's soundtrack, so many expected that she, if anyone, would reprise the song at the Grammys. After the show, ET Online’s Kevin Frazier asked her why she wasn’t on stage belting out the gospel song.

“I didn’t have a clue,” Ledisi responded, adding that she was "a little disappointed." “But I will say what I’m excited about is I had the pleasure of playing an iconic figure in ‘Selma,’ and the song ‘Take my Hand, Precious Lord,’ it’s been going on forever. It started with the queen, Mahalia, the queen of soul, Aretha Franklin, and then I was able to portray and sing my version of the song, and now we have Beyonce, and her generation will now know this song, so I’m a part of history.”

Ledisi’s fans weren’t quite as gracious as the singer.

But here's the thing: it's our job as women in particular to lift as we climb. BEY missed an opportunity to lift @ledisi up! #MorningCoffee

— Sophia A. Nelson (@IAmSophiaNelson) February 9, 2015

Blk women shld be offended by @Beyonce stealing @ledisi song when u know #GRAMMYs true reason 4 allowing it, Bey fits their image of beauty

— Charlie Peach (@PoliticsPeach) February 9, 2015

Many people tweeted that instead of complaining about Beyonce singing Ledisi’s song, fans should go and buy Ledisi’s albums.

John Legend told ET’s Frazier, “We were actually approached by Beyonce. She wanted to do an intro to our performance and introduce us. You don’t really say no to Beyonce if she asks to perform with you."

Related Stories:

• Golden Globe Nominations 2015: 'Selma' a Surprise for Best Film
• Brad Pitt's Sing-Along Helps Him Pronounce 'Selma' Star's Name at Gala