John Legend, Kelly Clarkson & More to Honor Aretha Franklin in New Grammys Special
The Recording Academy announced today (December 27) an Aretha Franklin tribute concert taking place just ahead of the 2019 Grammy Awards. Aretha! A GRAMMY Celebration For The Queen of Soul will tape on January 13, 2019, and feature performances from stars like John Legend, Patti LaBelle, Kelly Clarkson, Alicia Keys, SZA, Janelle Monáe, and more.
Celebs and artists across the music and entertainment world mourned this past August when the Queen of Soul died after a lengthy battle with pancreatic cancer.
Additional performers for the concert special include Alessia Cara, Celine Dion, Jennifer Hudson, H.E.R., Common, Chloe x Halle, Brandi Carlile, Yolanda Adams, Shirley Caesar, BeBe Winans, and more.
Hudson performed at Franklin's televised funeral earlier this year alongside Ariana Grande, Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan, and more.
The Recording Academy describes the event as a "one-of-a-kind tribute concert and passionate remembrance of Aretha Franklin," with Recording Academy President/CEO Neil Portnow stating, ""For more than six decades, her extraordinary artistic achievements coupled with her passionate dedication to her philanthropic work — which ranged from children's and artists' issues to civil rights activism — served as a testament to her power, majesty, and genius. These gifts positioned her as a true cultural icon, and the Recording Academy is honored to celebrate her inspirational legacy."
There is no airdate for the special as of yet, but it will air on CBS at some point in 2019. Stay tuned for more news and updates about the special, which is sure to be amazing! Who are you most looking forward to seeing belt out an Aretha classic?
Next, check out photos of Aretha Franklin through the years: