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Watch Ariana Grande’s inspiring tribute to Aretha Franklin

Written by gaytourism

Putting her entire soul into the performance | Photo: YouTube/The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon

Ariana Grande was a guest on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon last night (16 August).

Earlier that day, news quickly spread of Aretha Franklin’s passing. The Queen of Soul died at the age of 76 from pancreatic cancer.

Celebritites, politicians, and fans alike all paid tribute to Franklin throughout the day. Many fondly remembered her incredible music and even more incredible, genuine attitude.

While appearing on the show, Grande teamed up with The Roots for a touching tribute to Franklin with a soulful rendition of Natural Woman.

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Franklin released the song in 1967 and it became a hit, quickly skyrocketing to number 8 on the Billboard Hot 100. Carole King and Gerry Goffin co-wrote the single, which has since been covered by numerous artists.

In 2015, King received the Kennedy Center Honors. Franklin attended the tribute and sang the song herself while King was in the audience.

In the video of Franklin jamming out the song (and dropping her fur coat, of course), King is clearly surprised at the appearance. Former President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama are also having the time of their lives.

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In her career, Franklin won 18 Grammy Awards, including the first eight awards given for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance. She was also the first woman inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1987.

Grande’s fourth studio album, Sweetener, comes out today.

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