One of the top voices in music today, Ariana Grande, absolutely slayed her tribute to one of the greatest voices in music history, Aretha Franklin.
One of the top voices in music today, Ariana Grande, absolutely slayed her tribute to one of the greatest voices in music history, Aretha Franklin.
Grande opened «The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon» on August 16,2018 with an emotional rendition of «Natural Woman.» Franklin, who was born in Memphis but lived in Detroit most of her life, passed away this morning from pancreatic cancer. She was 76.
FROM DONALD TRUMP TO PAUL MCCARTNEY, CELEBS SEND MESSAGES TO ARETHA FRANKLIN
According to TMZ, Grande was scheduled to be on tonight’s show, but was not scheduled to sing. When producers asked if she’d perform a song in the Queen of Soul’s honor, TMZ says Grande first said no because she was too emotional, saying Franklin was one of her heroes. Apparently Questlove convinced her.
«Thank you Ariana Grande and The Roots for putting together a beautiful opening of our show honoring our friend, the legendary Aretha Franklin,» said Fallon. «I know it’s a big night for Ariana, but this is what great people do when they know we need them to be there for us.»
SEE FRANKLIN’S MOST SPECTACULAR LIVE PERFORMANCES
Grande’s appearance on «Fallon» was also to promote her new album, «Sweetener,» which was released at midnight on August 17. This is Grande’s fourth studio album.
