Ariana Grande is just something else on this tribute to the Queen of Soul! Grande sang Aretha Franklin’s “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon on August 17, 2018, which was just one day after the soul legend passed. The cover is an incredible showcase for Grande’s voice, and her passion for Franklin’s music just comes through so strongly throughout the performance.
Grande, supported by The Roots, began the song with a delicate and soulful verse. She brilliantly upped the dynamics throughout the song before she hit the iconic chorus, where she really let loose. Many of Grande’s biggest tracks tend toward a pop sound with somewhat simpler vocal lines, so it’s easy to forget that she can really wail with the best of ’em. The Music Man always has time for a bit of Ariana Grande and this tribute is one of her finest hours.
Grande’s tribute went down a real treat with fans, who tuned in 9.8 million times to hear the soul classic. Fans were mighty impressed with the tribute and added comments such as “She’s flat out scary talented. Her ability to flawlessly imitate any singer indicates just what a range she actually has. Awesome.” and “I love how Ariana didn’t do anything over the top with her voice, she just sings it simply and beautifully in the style of Aretha Franklin, the way a tribute should be.”
Grande has shown herself to be able to take on the sound of classic soul and R&B several times over the years. Another incredible showcase for her voice is when she covered Whitney Houston’s “I Have Nothing” in 2014 for Women of Soul: In Performance at the White House. Her voice is just flawless, and when she hits the chorus, it’s guaranteed to put chills down your spine.
Grande and Franklin met several times, including at the 2014 Women of Soul event, where Franklin also sang. The Queen of Soul gave some major props to Grande’s vocal prowess in a 2015 interview with SiriusXM, where she said, “I think Ariana and I are gonna duet. You like that? I think we have a hot duo going.” Sadly, the proposed duet never eventuated before Franklin passed in 2018. Grande was able to pay her respects to Franklin, however, as the Queen of Soul’s family saw her tribute on The Tonight Show. As reported by AP, Franklin’s family subsequently invited Grande to sing at the late soul legend’s memorial service, where she performed “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman.”
If you would like to hear more from this talented artist, you can subscribe to her YouTube Channel and follow her on Instagram for more incredible music.