Aretha Franklin: Chosen For Barack Obama's Presidential Inauguration

There's a storm of controversy brewing about controversial clergyman Rick Warren being tapped to participate in Barack Obama's presidential inauguration on Jan. 20, but the real news – at least on the entertainment end – is that Aretha Franklin will do the honors of singing at the historic event.

Upwards to four million visitors are expected to be on hand when the Chicago senator takes the noontime oath from Chief Justice John Roberts on the steps of the Capitol in Jan. 20.

And "The Queen of Soul," a staunch supporter of Obama is elated.

"I feel great pride, respect and honor to have been invited to participate in this universal and global celebration for such a phenomenal man -- President-elect Barack Obama," she said in a statement released to BlackVoices.com this afternoon.

Aretha Franklin Pictures

TO GO WITH AFP STORY: US-politics-Obama-inauguration-people. Washington ready for star-spangled Obama inauguration. by Rob Woollard.This January 11, 2009 combination image shows some of the many celebrities that will be a part of Barack Obama's Inaugural ceremonies on January 20. Top row L-R: Singer Sting, singer Aretha Franklin, actor Timothy Bottoms, TV talk show hostess Oprah Winfrey, singer Elvis Costello. Second row L-R: Actor Tom Hanks, singer Bruce Springsteen, comedian Chris Rock, actress Patricia Arquette, singer Dionne Warwick. Third row L-R: Actor/director Ron Howard, Director Spike Lee, actress Maggie Gyllenhaal, actress Susan Sarandon, singer Mary J. Blige. Bottom row L-R: Actress Anne Hathaway, actor George Clooney, singer Beyonce Knowles, actor Ed Harris, and actress Angela Bassett. AFP PHOTO/FILES (Photo credit should read FILES/AFP/Getty Images)

AFP/Getty Images

Jazz Fest founder and executive producer George Wein plays with a jazz band in New Orleans, Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2008. The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2009 with performances by Aretha Franklin, Dave Matthews Band, James Taylor and dozens of other acts, the event's organizers announced at a news conference attended by Wein. (AP Photo)

Jazz Fest founder and executive producer George Wein reacts as he plays with a jazz band in New Orleans, Tuesday, Dec. 16, 2008. The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2009 with performances by Aretha Franklin, Dave Matthews Band, James Taylor and dozens of other acts, the event's organizers announced at a news conference attended by Wein. (AP Photo)

Aretha Franklin performs during The Torch of Freedom: A Holiday Tribute to Our Troops concert at the Nokia Theatre on December 14, 2008 in New York City..The Torch of Freedom: A Holiday Tribute to Our Troops Concert.Nokia Theatre.New York, NY United States.December 14, 2008.Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage.com..To license this image (56372193), contact WireImage.com

WireImage.com

Singer Aretha Franklin performs in "The Torch of Freedom: A Holiday Tribute to Our Troops," a benefit concert at the Nokia Theatre on December 14, 2008 in New York City..Aretha Franklin "The Torch Of Freedom: A Holiday Tribute To Our Troops".Nokia Theatre.New York, NY United States.December 14, 2008.Photo by Charles Eshelman/FilmMagic.com..To license this image (56372150), contact FilmMagic.com

WireImage.com

Singer Aretha Franklin preforms in "The Torch of Freedom: A Holiday Tribute to Our Troops," a benefit concert at the Nokia Theatre on December 14, 2008 in New York City..Aretha Franklin "The Torch Of Freedom: A Holiday Tribute To Our Troops".Nokia Theatre.New York, NY United States.December 14, 2008.Photo by Charles Eshelman/FilmMagic.com..To license this image (56371771), contact FilmMagic.com

WireImage.com

Though the 21 Grammy Award recipient's performed for President Bill Clinton in 1993, this would be her first actual Inauguration. "...To participate in what promises to be one of the greatest moments in American history. I am so glad he came along in my lifetime," she added.

Reportedly, there was heavy lobbying for the spot (with names of Academy Award and Grammy Award winners in the mix), But the 'Respect' singer and her illustrious near-50 year singing career prevailed.

It shouldn't come as much of a surprise though; during a Labor Day weekend rally in Detroit, Obama sang a bit of Franklin's 'Chain of Fools' to her.

"Given that he will be the leader of one of the grandest countries in the world, it is only fitting that our reigning "Queen of Soul" hold court," Dyana Williams, a radio personality at Philadelphia's WRNB-FM told BlackVoices.com. "While there will be other regal luminaries in DC during this historic inauguration, Ms. Aretha Franklin will enchant millions with her royal voice, as well as her majestic presence!"