Earlier this evening, viewers of the '53rd Annual Grammy Awards' got to see a start-studded tribute to the one and only
Aretha Franklin. Asides from being delighted with the powerful voices of
Jennifer Hudson, Yolanda Adams, Christina Aguilera, Florence Welch and
Martina McBride belting out a medley of Franklin-certified hits (including 'Respect' and 'Sisters Are Doing It For Themselves'), the world got to see a videotaped thank you from the undisputable Queen of Soul.
It was the first time the world got to see Franklin up, close and personal since her Dec. 2 surgery.
From her home in the Detroit area, the 18-time Grammy Award winner said she "loved" the salute, which opened the show.
"I LOVED it! The ladies all sounded so wonderful and they looked fabulous! All of them were dressed to the nines! I enjoyed each and every performance, especially Yolanda doing 'Spirit In The Dark' and Christina's rendition of 'Ain't No Way.' Loved them all! They all looked beautiful, I really liked Jennifer's outfit, those epaulettes on her shoulder pads were too sharp! Bravo ladies!!!"
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Comments: (73)
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By: Mo on 2/14/2011 1:45AM
"Christina AGA-Larra!" (LOL!)
Love you L.L.
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By: "DimePiece" on 2/14/2011 1:14AM
Ok, let me start with the Tribute to Aretha at the beginning of the program. WHY, did they let Christina sing first? She did so many unnecessary runs and was tryin to out do EVERYBODY up there on stage. I wonder if she is pregnant, could see a baby bump in that gown and no she didn't look comfortable at all up there on stage? Now, Martina & Florence sung good and didn't over due any of the songs when it was their turn. Yolanda was good but Jennifer, I was dissapointed. She had told Ryan Seacrest that she will BELT Aretha's song out and SHE DIDN'T?
I wish I could have seen up there, Mary J and somebody like her on stage? That close up of Aretha I COUlN'T BELIEVE? It didn't look like her at all? You know she had some serious mad Botox done and some other comspectic surgeory to look like that? To me, she didn't look well? The make up was just packed on her skin and didn't look natural at all. Don't get me wrong, she is beautiful but wasn't feelin this new look of her? I will say this, her acceptance speech was genuine and was from the heart and that was Aretha. I still don't understand WHY SHE COULDN'T BE THERE?
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By: MissT on 2/14/2011 1:22AM
So I guess those rumors of Aretha undergoing plastic surgery instead of having cancer where true. It was all lie. She doesn't look sick, or anywhere near sick, at all. She looks plastic.
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By: MONIQUE on 2/14/2011 1:09PM
So... You would have preferred to see her on TV, in magazines laying in a hospital bed with tubes in her nose, no makeup, disheveled, wearing a turban, gasping for air? Is she allowed to hold onto her dignity in what may be her last days or at least a difficult time in her life right now? Can she take pride in her appearance? Or does she need our approval for that?
Damned if you do. Damned if you don't.
People are a trip.
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By: MONIQUE on 2/14/2011 4:45PM
@Deanna Jameson I think the missed point would be on your end... The POINT IS... 1) Who cares what you or anyone else in Detroit thinks or knows about what she did or did not do? 2) She owes you nothing. Especially not an explanation about what she did while at the hospital. She's a grown woman and has earned the right to do what she wants, regardless of how it was interpreted to the public. 3) It's none of your business.
I'm sure there are plenty of other issues of importance in Detroit - of all places.
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By: MONIQUE on 2/14/2011 4:47PM
And besides that... SHE LOOKS GREAT! What's the problem?!
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By: westfall on 2/14/2011 6:08PM
I thought so from the beginning that she had gastric bypass surgery. Which is fine if that's what she wanted to do, but to lie to the public? I don't hope that she really had cancer just because I don't like the deceit, but what's the big deal? She had people praying for her, crying and remembering her during prayer meetings and church services. Nobody cares nowadays if you have plastic surgery. It's part of being an American celebrity. Glad she's okay.
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By: ShameOnYou! on 2/14/2011 10:35PM
It is a shame that Aretha let the lies continue without putting a stop to them until she was ready to 'fess up'! How dare she have the public holding vigil for her as a result of their genuine concern for her health--pancreatic cancer--right!! Aretha, you of all people, should know that you don't play with God. The next time you 'cry wolf', I wonder who will believe you! The rumor that you had weight loss surgery was true! You know that the HIPPA law only goes so far. The Sinai hospital gossip mills were forever running. You should be ashamed of yourself! You and your family owe the public an humble apology for such a blatant lie!!! No more R-E-S-P-E-C-T for you! Now you must regain the public's trust!! How dare you!!!
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By: MONIQUE on 2/15/2011 3:02AM
You know what. Because I don't live in Detroit, I will step back and see the situation from a different perspective. Even though I feel strongly about people having the right to maintain even an ounce of a private life - despite being public figures. I can see how upsetting it would be for fans or loyal Detroiters that were shaken by the news of an illness.
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By: MONIQUE on 3/01/2011 2:00PM
WHO CARES IF SHE HAD SURGERY?!
This woman is a legend in her own right. Who are we to judge? If she felt the need or had the desire to do ANYTHING, it is her life, her money, and prerogative.
If she altered her appearance, what business is it of ours? She has inspired so many young women to have hope, stand tall, love hard, work hard, and be somebody. She has inspired generations of young women... How dare anyone speak a word of judgement?! If you're unaware of her impact, take time to listen to her music. Save this kind of speculation and judgement for people who continue to contribute NOTHING of substance to the industry (media, music, etc) like the Kardashians and that entire mega botox dynasty. Save this judgement for people like Nicki Minaj, who continues to drive home every negative stereotype known to mankind about black women. SAVE IT!
The only person that knows the details of Aretha's medical history and well-being are her and her family. Bloggers, and people who comment on blogs fall nowhere in that category.
Let's be happy to see her in good sprits. Let's be happy that she is still here with us and able to continue sharing herself, her talent and appreciation with her fans. We've lost so many people (artists) in our community. Why tear down the ones we have left?
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