http://www.dailynews.com/music/ci_4311533Franklin honored by stars of r&b
BY FRED SHUSTER, Music Writer
U-Entertainment
The Queen of Soul got a royal salute but an "American Idol" winner stole the show at the taping of a star-studded tribute to Aretha Franklin on Friday.
Franklin was feted as the subject of the United Negro College Fund's annual TV special "An Evening of Stars," which will air nationwide in January. During the first of two tapings at the Kodak Theater, singers Natalie Cole, Jennifer Hudson, Joss Stone, Rueben Studdard, Bebe Winans and Mary Mary delivered songs associated with Franklin.
But it was Fantasia Barrino, an "American Idol" winner from a few years ago and the subject of a much-watched "Lifetime" network biopic, who tore the roof off the elegant Hollywood & Highland venue in two jaw-dropping performances.
Franklin, who didn't sing Friday, drew a standing ovation as she entered the theater wearing what can only be described as a fluffy, pillowy, feathered turquoise thing. Aretha, who watched the taping from a regal viewing area at the side of the stage, carried it off with flourish.
Along with musical segments, the show included film elements from Franklin's long career and tributes from, among others, Atlantic Records co-founder Ahmet Ertegun, who summed up Franklin's enduring appeal.
"She is the favorite singer of every other singer," he said, "probably the greatest artist we had on the label - and that's saying a lot. She defined the soul in soul music."
The night opened with a joyous medley of gospel classics which had been covered in the 70s by Franklin on her groundbreaking "Amazing Grace" live church recording on Atlantic. Bebe Winans, grabbing hold of "Mary Don't You Weep," backed by a sprawling choir, two sweet-sounding Hammond organs and the evening's top-tier r&b orchestra, was the highlight of the gospel segment Friday.
Performers came and went: Cole covering "Daydreaming"; Studdard on "Angel," the magnificent ballad penned by Aretha's late sister Carolyn; Stone putting across "(You Make Me Feel Like a) Natural Woman"; and more.
Actress Regina King spoke for them all: "If you think it's easy to stand up here and sing for Aretha Franklin, think again."
But Barrino, the 22-year-old mom with a true-life rags-to-riches story, not only made it look easy, she put everyone else firmly in the past tense. Covering "Rock Steady" and "Baby, I Love You," she sang every note like her life depended on it. Prowling the stage, she took the songs by the throat, appearing as if she was having as great a time as the audience. At one point she left the stage, and stood directly in front of Franklin, to ad lib "Aretha, I love you" as the chorus to her second song.
Barrino is probably the most talented singer "American Idol" has produced, and the only one that would've made it on her own without the amateur singing contest.
Backstage, she gushed about Franklin, who Barrino said she's been listening to since she was 5.
"She has a voice that gives me the chills," she said. "There's so much power there . I love her a lot."
A word to the wise: Love Aretha - and keep an eye on Fantasia. She's got it.