SMH: This Singer Trashed TF Out Of Aretha Franklin's Tribute Concert Lineup...
Carrying the spirit and legacy of the Aretha Franklin into 2019, The Recording Academy, AEG Ehrlich Ventures, Clive Davis, and CBS will present “Aretha! A GRAMMY Celebration For The Queen Of Soul” in tribute to the late soul, R&B and gospel legend.
As reported by Billboard, the ceremony will bring forth Grammy titleholders from all over the R&B spectrum, including Yolanda Adams, Kelly Clarkson, Celine Dion, Chloe X Halle, H.E.R. and Janelle Monaé. Jennifer Hudson, Alicia Keys, and SZA are also among some of the lineup’s standout voices to grace the tribute stage—to former singer-turned-radio-hostess Lil’ Mo’s discontent, however.
After ‘The Shade Room’ picked up the official announcement on Instagram with A. Keys, SZA, Patti LaBelle and J. Hud highlighted as just three of the big-name performers…
The “4Ever” singer shared her shady questions for the selection process behind the tribute lineup. “Ummmmmm…I’ll let y’all comment below,” she wrote in response to the post. “I just have ONE question and a half. Who did the picking?” If Mo had it her way, she’d have handpicked Dorinda and Karen of gospel’s The Clark Sisters quintet, Faith Evans, Fantasia and Jazmine Sullivan to lead the lineup instead. Though she took her hat off to Ms. Patti, she believes (or hopes, rather) some of the lineup is still missing.
‘They doing this and saving the best names for last right?’ she continued
While the order for the lineup hasn’t been made public just yet, there is a healthy selection of other vocal talents offering their gifts to commemorate the Queen of Soul. “This special will celebrate Aretha Franklin’s numerous accomplishments as an entertainment icon, singer, songwriter, pianist, actress, and civil rights activist,” said Jack Sussman, CBS Entertainment’s Executive Vice President of Specials, Music and Live Events. “Aretha had an incredible effect on humanity and music with her indomitable spirit and grace. We look forward to honoring this music legend with numerous performers who all admire and respect the Queen of Soul.”
Hopefully, Mo will still be tuning in with everyone else when the tribute tapes live in concert on Sunday, January 13 at 6 p.m. (PT, 9:00 p.m. ET) at the Shrine Auditorium in L.A. and gets broadcasted at a later date in 2019.
See her thoughts on a handful of the slated performers below.
- advertisement
