Yesterday, the music world came to a standstill when it was announced that the legendary soul singer Aretha Franklin had died aged 76, surrounded by family and friends after a long battle with pancreatic cancer. Tributes from fans and celebrities quickly flooded social media, including a touching post from Ariana Grande. Grande, who has often cited Franklin as one of her greatest inspirations, then honored the icon with a performance dedicated to her life on The Tonight Show.
Taking to the stage with music from The Roots, Ariana gave a powerful and emotional rendition of Aretha’s classic hit, “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” while dressed all in black, and the heartfelt vocals are enough to bring anyone to tears.
TMZ reports that the singer was originally only scheduled to take part in a comedy skit on the show, but was asked last-minute to perform in the wake of the news of Franklin’s passing. It’s reported that Ariana initially declined the invitation as she was too overcome with emotion, but was eventually convinced to take the stage in tribute. Sources say that, after making it through to the end and bringing the house down with her performance to a standing ovation, Ariana later broke down in tears backstage.
Remembering Aretha as she spoke to Jimmy Fallon later, Grande shared the story of a phone call that she once received from her musical hero. “I met her a few times, we sang at the White House and she was so sweet and cute. I was like, how are you a real person? It’s an honor to have met her and we’re going to celebrate her. She called me one time only, and she goes, ‘Hi, it’s Aretha,’ and I was like, ‘...Franklin?’ There’s only one Aretha.”
.@ArianaGrande remembers Aretha Franklin pic.twitter.com/Au1WPofj8yAugust 17, 2018
In a statement to announce her death, family of Franklin said: "In one of the darkest moments of our lives, we are not able to find the appropriate words to express the pain in our heart. We have lost the matriarch and rock of our family."
RELATED STORY
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
Lucy Wood spends most of her time writing about celebrity news, reading books, and waiting for the glorious day that she have enough millions for a pet sloth. She also has a YouTube channel on the go where she pretends to know things about fashion and life advice.
-
I Work Out 5 Days a Week—These Are the Brands I Wear on Repeat
Sponsor Content Created With Nordstrom
By Emma Walsh Published
-
Princess Kate Will Be "Ready to Talk" About Her Absence When She Gets Back to Work, Source Claims
The Palace has released very few details about her illness and recovery.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Princess Kate Was Allegedly Spotted Looking "Happy, Relaxed and Healthy" at a Farm Shop This Weekend
Anonymous onlookers provided this description to 'The Sun.'
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Pink Calls Gwen Stefani "The Coolest, Kindest" After Their Joint Concert Appearance
A mid '00s dream.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Harry Styles Stopped His Concert So a Pregnant Fan Could Go for a Pee and "Not Miss a Thing"
I'm DYING.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Miley Cyrus Heartbreakingly Admits That She Carried "Guilt and Shame" After Her 2013 Twerking Controversy
She's let those feelings go now.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Miley Cyrus' Song 'Flowers' Was Originally Going to Have VERY Different Lyrics, She Reveals in 'British Vogue' Interview
This is unexpected.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Miley Cyrus' New Song Is Packed With References to Ex Liam Hemsworth, And People Are Obsessed With Her "Queen Behavior"
Exhibit A: She released it on his birthday.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Sarah Hyland and Adam Devine Play 'How Well Do You Know Your Co-Star?'
The 'Modern Family' stars reunited for the 'Pitch Perfect' spinoff series.
By Brooke Knappenberger Published
-
Taylor Swift Fans Have Big Feelings About Ticketmaster Crashing Due to "Historically Unprecedented Demand"
There was heartbreak.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Taylor Swift Beat the *Actual* Beatles With Her New Billboard Chart Rankings
I am shaken to the very core.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published