A Star-Studded Celebration for the Queen of Soul

Hey there! If you're a fan of music legends, then you're in for a treat. Get ready for an unforgettable evening as some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry come together to honor the one and only Aretha Franklin. The Queen of Soul, who passed away on August 16, 2018, at the age of 76, will be celebrated in a spectacular tribute concert at Los Angeles’ iconic Shrine Auditorium in 2019. Hosted by the charismatic Tyler Perry, the event, titled Aretha! A GRAMMY Celebration for the Queen of Soul, promises to be a night to remember, featuring performances by the likes of Kelly Clarkson, Celine Dion, Patti LaBelle, Alicia Keys, and more.

In a statement, Jack Sussman from CBS Entertainment expressed his admiration for Aretha, saying, "This special will celebrate Aretha Franklin’s numerous accomplishments as an entertainment icon, singer, songwriter, pianist, actress, and civil rights activist." He went on to highlight the profound impact Aretha had on humanity and music with her unwavering spirit and grace. "We look forward to honoring this music legend with numerous performers who all admire and respect the Queen of Soul," he added.

More Stars Join the Celebration

Joining the lineup are other big names such as Jennifer Hudson, John Legend, Alessia Cara, Janelle Monáe, and Common. Ken Ehrlich of AEG Ehrlich Ventures, the producer of the show, shared his feelings about the tribute. "We’re approaching this show with extremely mixed feelings of sadness and joy," he said. "These two qualities were often present during my 37 years of working with Aretha." He added, "Our hope is that we will be able to share the remarkable musical and cultural accomplishments of the Queen of Soul through her own words and music, as well as through the performances of an amazing group of musical artists who will gather to celebrate her incredible musical heritage."