Talk about a vocal line that just won’t quit! For this star-studded Aretha Franklin tribute at the Grammys, some of the biggest voices in pop and R&B joined forces: Christina Aguilera, Yolanda Adams, Jennifer Hudson, Martina McBride, and Florence Welch. The two names on everyone’s lips were Christina and Yolanda. Christina put her stamp on the performance at 3:15, with a sultry rendition of “Ain’t No Way.” You could tell Christina was really on fire because, at 3:30, Yolanda gives an approving nod and big smile.
If you win the approval from the great Yolanda Adams while singing Aretha, then you know you’re really cooking! Yolanda then delivered a commanding performance of “Spirit in the Dark” at 8:44. Watching the Texas star, you can tell that she not only has an amazing voice, but also has such a deep understanding of Aretha’s music. When she’s singing “Spirit in the Dark,” she’s not just covering a song – she’s feeling it in her soul. The Music Man has to say this is one of the most iconic Grammys moments!
Fan channel Xtina Daily uploaded the Grammys Aretha Franklin tribute to YouTube, where it hit 2.6 million views. Fans discussed their favourite moments below the video and added comments such as “It still astounds me the power of Yolanda’s voice. She cuts through the other’s voices like a knife and she can always be heard” and “All these years later and Christina is still killing it. His voice is truly a gift!!”
It’s a rite of passage for any R&B singer to sing Aretha’s music. Mariah Carey got to do this with the Queen of Soul herself when they teamed up on “Chain of Fools.” The vocal fireworks all throughout this performance are really something. The Music Man has to say this performance is so sweet, as you can tell Mariah has so much respect for Aretha, and vice versa. Aretha is the main event for the performance. Mariah doesn’t try to compete for the spotlight, but when it’s her turn to sing, she really lets loose!
The star-studded 2011 Grammys tribute to Aretha was a get-well message from the Grammys to the Queen of Soul. Aretha had a major health scare in 2010. She suddenly went in for surgery on December 2, 2010, for an undisclosed ailment. Her spokesperson said the surgery was successful. It was clearly a significant issue, though, as Aretha canceled her planned 2011 performances. The February 13, 2011 Grammys performance was therefore a chance for the organization and the performers to honor the Queen of Soul and lift her spirits during this trying time.