Christina Aguilera was among the artists that paid honor to legendary singer Etta James on Saturday in Los Angeles.

Aguilera, who said she admired the singer all her life, performed James' hit "At Last" at Greater Bethany Community Church in Gardena, California during the funeral of the rythm-and-blues singer.

"She was the one that cut right through my soul. So tonight, Etta, this song is for you," Aguilera said.

Aguilera said "At Last" is one of her favorite songs and confessed that while rehearsing for today's performance she cried. The pop singer also said that she met James once at a photo shoot and the singer gave her advice.

"She always told me to stay true to my heart, to whom I am, true to myself cause that's what she did," according to an interview aired on CNN.

Also attending were Stevie Wonder who sang at the service as well and a message from U.S. President Barack Obama was read at the funeral.

"Etta will be remembered for her legendary voice and her contributions to our nation's musical heritage," Obama's statement said.

Hundreds of people were gathered today at the location to remember James who died at age 73 at a Riverside, California, hospital on January 20 from complications of leukemia.

Watch Christina Aguilera's Performance Below:

Watch Rev. Al Sharpton's words at the funeral: