Aretha Franklin Brings President Obama To Tears Performing At Kennedy Center Honors

[@EPICFAILKING1]

I love that she was in her prime in the '60s, a time of racial segregation and tension, then 50 years later she performs in front of the first black president. Must have been a mutually amazing experience.

[@Lauren_Fields]

Say that! Yes!

[@tanyanguyen3704]

While true, she wasn’t singing for Obama. She was singing for Carol. And Carol was beside herself. I love when musicians of this stature show they out right love of eachother! 🤍💙💜

[@gokay8194]

@Eduardo Figueroa he never sing in front of Obama

[@calebcharlesii]

@@tanyanguyen3704 true that here she was singing for Carol, but Aretha did perform at Obama’s first inauguration and was invited to the White House on numerous occasions. However, Bush beat Obama to the punch awarding Aretha her Presidential Medal of Freedom. What a life!

[@JeffFreemanPresents]

@@tanyanguyen3704 Carol’s reaction is so lovely I got choked up seeing her. So much love. If I had to say the single most amazing thing we have in this world, I’d say music.

[@beverlyo1783]

I love that Carole King’s going crazy because she’s singing her song with all the emotion it deserves!

[@donjones4719]

Carole was in transports of joy and beyond to have Aretha sing this - and do a rendition for the ages.

[@joanneolive7128]

She wrote it for Aretha.

[@EPA18]

She's going crazy because she's an airhead. A talented airhead, but an hippy-dippy airhead nonetheless. Just read her autobiography, it's quite apparent.

[@SA-xf7pc]

@@EPA18 You can't write music and be this successful if you're an idiot. And the fact that half the audience knows the lyrics proves this.

[@garylitfin6781]

@@EPA18 Yo jus' a PO Jealous S.

[@rickw1100]

Battling Pancreatic cancer, she still showed up to honor a friend. Class, class, and more class. God bless Aretha Franklin.

[@johnhoward8668]

❤❤

[@BarsPompey]

I can’t get pancreatic cancer because I have a pot. Potcreatic. Study that.. fools.

[@dennismclaurin1487]

I think Obama knew

[@dallaswilson1984]

Absolutely. You look under class in the dictionary you find Aretha Franklin

[@kimbradley9595]

That's what it's about FRIEND what do people not get

[@kellymoran534]

I could watch Carole’s reaction 1000 times. Pure joy and humility. ❤

[@dannyarroway4187]

Actually, no! It was pure jealousy, deceit, and phony crocodile smiles of hate! carol klein is a fake and a phony.

[@transatlanticize]

behaving like a village idiot

[@someonelovesyouhere]

💕

[@sunnybright8206]

She’s about to make me cry lol

[@JRose-ub3hd]

Mind you, she was dying of Cancer when she did this performance! That's why everyone was surprised and crying to see her there. Straight up LEGEND!

[@bernicenelson5879]

Thats probably why she has her fur on..her blood is probably thin behind all the chemo..my sister is the same way ..always cold even in the summer.. .

[@hoorayitsjackie6166]

She wears fur in a lot of her performances and it’s gross

[@melaninenriched7844]

@@bernicenelson5879 As singer cold air is drying. She'll request they cut the air off a hr before she performs but if they couldn't accommodate she'll wear coats.

[@Mrtaylormade365]

@@hoorayitsjackie6166 shut up

[@natashabegley1346]

Nobody was crying though!

[@michaelschoemer7474]

The time a Queen moved a President to tears. May she Rest in Peace. Queen of Soul, indeed.

[@rochellecrump-mcnulty9675]

A great truth spoken. Thank you

[@carolsteinhauer5935]

Miss having a awesomely cool first couple!

[@HistoryChannel1776]

Fake tears. Like his Presidency.

[@tanyanguyen3704]

@@HistoryChannel1776 - I’m so sorry you cannot feel music enough to be moved to tears. I’m balling. Anyone with a soul is.

[@jessicathurman70]

The power of music is so beautiful!!!!!

[@tienaellison4729]

The woman was fighting cancer when she performed this song and still hit every note on point; the one and only "Queen" Rest in power lady! Love you and miss you!

[@carolinejohn4537]

WOW ! Unbelievable. Gave me goosebumps

[@Markanthonyhair]

❤️❤️

[@imfeelinggoodnl]

What??? I didn't know that. What a queen 👑

[@bjpgm1233]

Shame she sang it for that murderer

[@paulwilliams2663]

She was also the king and emperor, unsurpassed

[@TheRealDeal89-c9w]

One of the greatest voices of all time !!! To sound like that at her age, simply incredible ! RIP Aretha !

[@someonelovesyouhere]

SOMEONE LOVES YOU HERE: ARETHA FRANKLIN

[@CadeNg]

Aretha Franklin's ad-libbing ability is so heavenly, she's the sunlight to the fakeness of lip syncing and auto-tuning to the very end of her life

[@brimand90]

The jewels. The fur. The pocketbook. The piano playing. The vocals. If that’s not a Queen I don’t know what is.

[@JoannaCubana]

Amén...💖

[@sallyhart3044]

Brought me to tears. The respect to the songwriter from the Queen and vise versa. Just one of the most incredible moments in history!!!

[@NazriB]

Lies again? Better Than SAF

[@laurahoward5426]

YES!!

[@--oi0io--]

Agreed. The pocketbook is the clincher.

[@firekip685]

This is one of the greatest moments in music/television history. Epic doesn’t even come close. The fur, the purse, the piano and Carole Kings reaction, and most of all Aretha nailing a performance in her 70’s.

[@willbrosy]

Damn straight. Just wow.

[@julz7753]

word. up.

[@Thatgirl1965]

Agree 100! This performance alone could bring about world Peace! 🌎🕊️

[@freddoflintstono9321]

.. while fighting cancer. Astonishing.

[@curbmassa]

Oh, yeah. When Aretha sits down at the piano, shit`s about to get real. When she gets up from the piano, it`s Katy, Bar The Door.

[@Currabell]

74! She leaves performers 50 years younger in the dust. Genius.

[@theninjacat7200]

Thank you! Thank you for saying this! You've got a bunch of so-called 'divas, starlets and artists' who can't do HALF of what Aretha does but they've got entourages and top dollar billing at the Superbowl. PUH-LEASE!

[@boblawrence2078]

John Lyons j

[@camoi18]

Well.... she has had 50 years more of experience... it's only natural that her abilities are way more polished than current mainstream...

[@dwightlove3704]

John Lyons that goes beyond saying she could put out something now and ITS A HIT!!!!!!!

[@lyndaanthony1154]

camoi18 but that voice....timeless😊

[@pattydella4]

I think I read somewhere that it was a rarity for Aretha to play the piano on stage so King was especially touched and amazed to see her do that for her!

[@79mraw]

The entrance. The purse. The fur. The piano. The vocals. She made ME feel like a natural woman and I'm a man.

[@popcorn3149]

me too

[@ftbailey773]

bahaha same bro!

[@Daneilechattann]

😂🤣😂🤦🏽‍♀️

[@DellieB]

I'm literally laughing out loud 🤣🤣🤣 your comment has me in tears 🤣🤣🤣

[@LadaBartos]

hahh

[@I.A.G]

Bear in mind she was 74 years old, dying of cancer when she performed this song! Rest in peace, Queen of soul 🕊🕊

[@kingy002]

Thanks for the context. That says a lot.

[@gingeroxendine2288]

Queen of Rock, too.

[@mymom9466]

What?! Wow! Just wow.

[@corabernal6432]

​@@gingeroxendine2288She was the 1st woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. 😮❤🤟 May she RIP😢

[@mayoryol4670]

Your comment make me cry.Aretha is really one of the best

[@vinaymulukutla358]

I'm not surprised that it brought President Obama to tears, it brought me to tears as well and especially seeing it's original songwriter Carole King so visibly moved and excited. Aretha was phenomenal and her gift to the world is timeless.

[@stephwarren155]

It didn't - looked like he was scratching an itch. So engrossed that he sat there nibbling on his snacks. If you are truly emotionally engaged you don't sit there chomping!

[@traydaniel0403]

@@stephwarren155 Get lost, troll. It did brought him and everyone else to tears.

[@topogigio2879]

What an idiotic take. You are a fool.@@stephwarren155

[@nogoodwolf]

@@stephwarren155 What a decent, respectable person president Obama was!

[@blank-dr2kx]

All for show

[@balto20002]

One of the great live performances ever. From soft and subtle to belting it. O man.

[@MrWebby93]

Obama crying, Michelle hollering and Carole is absolutely beside herself. Legendary performance from an absolute, unquestionable, undeniable legend.

[@kathykb8123]

@@dekehassa4582 Lmao! No.

[@305carolann]

@@dekehassa4582 .. don't you have a rock to crawl back under? Go on now...

[@bhscaps]

Michelle Obama doesn't holler, but Viola Davis does. And you can bet Viola Davis on the outside is Michelle Obama on the inside!

[@JaX-cu7hb]

@@dekehassa4582 just say you’re racist

[@liberacedb5100]

And still the most surprising thing about this is George Lucas not wearing a Flanell shirt, jeans and New Balance sneakers.

[@havensabaini7334]

Carol’s reaction when Aretha sits at the piano is one of the most genuine expressions of pure joy, I’ve ever seen! Cheers to these beautiful, iconic, natural women!☮️♥️🕉🎶

[@larrygoss3232]

M

[@larrygoss3232]

M

[@ciararespect4296]

Don't know why though?the piano was on the stage so hardly a surprise? I think just over acting histrionics as she knew she was on camera also

[@keviniti21]

It's such a wonderfully, beautifully pure reaction

[@bhscaps]

@@ciararespect4296 I think she didn't expect Aretha to play the piano, hence the look of surprise on her face.

[@averyvincent1868]

The day she passed, a small college radio station in my area dedicated their entire day's airplay to her whole musical catalogue. They started with this song. As soon as I heard her sing "Lookin' out...", the tears started rolling and barely stopped for the next hour. She is glorious.

[@mariasilvadasgracasgoncalv9208]

Tá tudo no controle meu papa auol e dura ser palhaça do sirvo voz toke miau

[@mattlee5523]

Sounds like a great tribute brother

[@ladiva0128]

Wow 🥺

[@whitecoolaid]

This put wind back in my sails today. She was the most incredible (and natural) woman. And Carole King's excitement is soooo contagious. One million gold stars ✨

[@godlygirls62]

There will never ever be another. Mariah, Whitney, and many, many others were truly talented. But Aretha. Well she had talent, no doubt. But what set her apart from the others was she had a gift. A gift that commanded standings ovations as she walked onto a stage. Truly the GOAT.

[@someonelovesyouhere]

💕

[@A-small-amount-of-peas]

Very few performers can warrant a standing ovation before the song is over. RIP Angel

[@Si1983h]

She was 73 years old on this performance, what an amazing lady!

[@TimxA]

*73 YEARS YOUNG* Just wanted to reiterate that for those who can't quite grasp how incredible this was.

[@jos651952]

Si1983h Great

[@samuelchoong2611]

no playback required!!! powerful

[@tylersgamespace4891]

WHAT 73?? With vocals like that WHAT THE F! that's absolutely incredible!

[@Si1983h]

Panzer SS Stormzy is probably more your kind of thing then.

[@emmagolding251]

The guy behind Carole sobbing immediately and openly... no words to describe the emotion this had me feeling. RIP QUEEN XXX

[@kerrylee4633]

The guy behind Carole is Gerry Goffin. Carole King's husband and co-writer. He contributed to a large portion of her hits.

[@brandyg5639]

As soon as I saw the Asian guy behind her struggling not to cry, it was immediate tears for me!!! What an amazing tribute!

[@dtegg91]

@@brandyg5639 lol that poor guy didn't even make it 10 seconds into the song

[@fakirpoo]

​@kerrylee4633 pretty sure Gerry Goffin was dead by the time this came out. He died in 2014.

[@Hottiedonkey]

You don't seem to know what "sobbing" or "immediately" mean.

[@ToiletScribble]

Probably the greatest musical performance ever performed on television. I watch this often for inspiration

[@DiosanXaquerry]

Heat performing stairway to heaven is damn close if not better at the Led Zeppelin tribute

[@phishfearme2]

@@DiosanXaquerry Heart indeed was heat for the Led Zep dedication

[@sophielynyeo]

Carole Kings excitement and genuine happiness is just so beautiful and warming. And the true class of these amazing women.

[@indiegirl54]

Her excitement makes me tear up every time.

[@fideliofidelio1222]

Yes !

[@suzannefajt8037]

Sophie Yeo ni

[@paulina4007]

This is the magic of music.

[@keepitreal4342]

To me it looks drug induced. Who acts like that? They are not solving world peace or hunger.

[@MilesTippett]

Carole King losing her damn mind is priceless!

[@kelleykelley1914]

Thanks I was trying to figure out who is that fanning out on the QUEEN of Soul

[@MilesTippett]

@@kelleykelley1914 The whole concert was paying tribute to Carole King for her songwriting.

[@kelleykelley1914]

@@MilesTippett MY BAD just google was not that familiar with name & face BUT I have (&DO) enjoy work appreciate the education

[@steventackett3037]

Carol wrote the song

[@stevejennings2394]

Totally 😄

[@emileigh6524]

So many singers haven't taken care of their voice over the years. It's pretty incredible her voice still sounded this way until late in her life. Beautiful and emotional performance.

[@ArtR.cover2000]

She didnt take care of her voice at all, She went thru depression and was a chain smoker for many years of her life. Thank god her voice didnt give out.

[@phtevenz]

@@ArtR.cover2000 this is true, but she was around for a very long time and the quality of her voice always waxed and waned as she delt with all of that. She was in pretty good voice here compared to a few different times. Her voice was significantly less powerful than in her prime but she regained her upper register when she quit smoking

[@Hayabusa0019]

And no autotune.

[@benhicks3413]

Effortlessly hitting those high notes like a boss. What an incredible voice. Brought me to tears.

[@valerielowe4403]

From the very first note, no introduction is needed, you KNOW this is Aretha Franklin. Pure Gold! There will NEVER be another like her.

[@RaulPerdomo]

N E V E R !!!!!

[@lsjt8924]

How does a 74-year-old sing like that??? Amazing.

[@nicksurfs1]

She was also dying of cancer at the time. She is truly the queen of soul.

[@C_Becker]

@@nicksurfs1 In fact she died three years later. No reason to overdrama.

[@szbugy]

Aretha was different...

[@Gesellschaft_kritisieren_lol]

@@C_Becker thanks

[@jakw97]

Its was no ordinary 74 year old, that's the diva dawg.

[@colett225]

What a slaying performance... God given vocal cords! Carole King's reaction too, wow!

[@LoveMusicBad]

Amazing . . . both!

[@MsLotusBlooms]

I agree. Her voice is meant for souls in heaven to hear.

[@Gudi102]

What an ABSOLUTE LEGEND!! Had goosebumps all over. Hitting every note at 74 and fighting cancer, it brought the house down. Our Queen, THANK YOU for leaving us such amazing, memorable, emotional moments. Hard to put in words the emotions she makes us feel. Love you and miss you.

[@traydaniel0403]

This was 2015. She was actually 73. Not 74. But you’re right. This brought me in tears too 🥹

[@someonelovesyouhere]

SOMEONE LOVES YOU HERE: ARETHA FRANKLIN

[@stefanychadkewicz1674]

Don't know what's better, the fact that Aretha is SLAYING this song at 74 or Carole King's reactions to Aretha SLAYING

[@DonnaBrooks]

I love seeing the excitement, wonder, and joy on Carole King's face every time they showed her. She's so childlike in her exuberance! So uninhibited. So full of gratitude and amazement. I wish we ALL carried that sense of delight with us ALL the time throughout our entire lives. It would be such a lovely life and a lovely world.

[@marilyncintron3864]

I feel what Barack was showing. Amazing that Aretha could do this when she was so ill. Carole King's childlike glee is so beautiful. You can see how much she respected Aretha.

[@imsleep2573]

Anybody else get goosebumps just when she entered?

[@dyseana5463]

Eq, mp

[@RobJazzful]

Yes. I’m not a robot. Or a Republican.

[@KatSut1978]

I just love so much to see Carole King fangirl out to Aretha Franklin. What an amazing presence.

[@alos4025]

She’s singing the song she co-wrote for her. So yeah, she’s thrilled I’m sure.

[@lizz1187]

02:00 😭

[@adellafrazier-bey890]

@@lizz1187 b v m

[@wintersantiago2274]

@@alos4025 And of all the many songs, Aretha could have chosen to sing anything.

[@josephnorato12]

I have watched this video over 50 times and I cry every time. I consider myself lucky to have seen her perform in person in the 80’s. A true queen in every sense of the word. Her bow at the end kills me! Simply stunning performance I so wish I had been there.

[@josephnorato12]

5 months later. Laying in a hospital bed after having my hip replaced, and guess who’s crying again. Not from pain. Thank you Aretha!

[@eltonparks659]

Me three.

[@TherealNaeemah]

I’ve watched this so many times and it still brings me to tears every time. I love everything about this video ❤

[@mariafernandacastro3056]

Eu TB já assisti várias vezes, é sensacional!!!!

[@salicemccool9268]

Carole King looks so shocked, so thrilled and touched, during this, even though she wrote the song. True respect for one artist from another. Tears!!

[@carolinedrury2440]

Salice McCool to

[@gabotdf]

R.E.S.P.E.C.T.

[@elizabethilling9387]

The undisputed queen of soul and queen of America. Aretha has always emanated love and joy. You shall know them by their fruits.

[@jayelove1504]

Amen, That's Aretha.....even at a late age in life, she can still bring down the house.....Queen of Soul and Music....pure Royalty!!😚

[@polljones8921]

And that, boys and girls - that is how you take it to church. Bow down to the Queen.

[@VINvIN344]

excellent quote from a book of fiction. we know septics from their fruits., dishonest warmongers

[@fingerboardingstop1961]

Fruit and NUTS for sure

[@ronaldmaki6704]

Elizabeth

[@janwilliams5292]

When you receive a standing ovation, and you still haven’t finished your song. The Queen rest in power.

[@PaulAlan-ml8yw]

Beautiful comment, how are you doing?

[@godlygirls62]

As a matter of fact, she recieved a standing ovation as she walked onto the stage. She'd not sang or played a single note. The girl was simply the GOAT

[@someonelovesyouhere]

SOMEONE LOVES YOU HERE: ARETHA FRANKLIN

[@boebender]

Tapestry was on repeat on our record player growing up. This performance is so beautiful. Aretha was fighting cancer and she put her foot in this song. Go from crying, to laughing to cheering!! RIP my Queen. ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@khalidkay6962]

Oh my God! What a woman!! What a voice!!! What a talent!!!! What happened to our generation? How come there are virtually no songs like this? Songs that can elevate the soul and the spirit. Mama Aretha Franklin, may you continue to live long among us.

[@sorrylew]

They're out there. You're just not listening.

[@chizmo7]

where?

[@sundarmann6167]

In some wonder-land...

[@lonniejames3]

Well said. :-)

[@SASSY13169]

It's the era of the NO Talented Reality "Stars".

[@jodiurlacher145]

I’m sorry, but I had to literally stop what I was doing, and pay FULL attention to this AMAZING performance! WHY am I only seeing this now? Carol King’s reaction is absolutely everything! This is hands down, my favorite performance from Mrs. Franklin! This gave my goosebumps, goosebumps! Wow!

[@dean5220]

Hello Jodi, How are you doing?

[@rozforthecoz5615]

It is EVERYTHING!I was just thinking the same thing. Miss Aretha was regal and everything about that performance and Carol's reaction was dripping with Heavenly fervor and magnificence!

[@christiankrenek7689]

The word “diva” gets thrown around a lot lately, and usually negatively. But people forget that it’s the Latin word for “goddess.” And no other word could POSSIBLY describe Aretha. She walks onto that stage and gets an ovation. She sings a first line and gets an ovation. She stands up and gets an ovation. She DROPS THE COAT and people lose their damn minds. Why? Because she’s *just that good* . The one and only Queen of Soul, who rose from poverty and hardship in the Civil Rights era to become a legend. There will never be another Aretha, and we were all blessed to get this last soul-shaking, heart-pounding, brilliant performance from her. Rest well, Your Highness-you’re leading the heavenly choir now.

[@deborahchandler1195]

The Asian guy did it for me! Don't look at her like you didn't understand.

[@tinamarisia123]

She made it look so effortless as well .. just amazing.

[@eunicewinzer5927]

I still think about her often and still listen to her music as well.

[@bernios3446]

Ha! A musical legend who does not deny her age but fills a large hall with ease so that people are litterally stunned, and stand up in respect. C. King is under a flash of endorphins, and Aretha makes even the president stand up for her. That's personality. Her voice is ripe, intense and full of lived emotions. Must be one of the most charismatic stage performances I have ever seen.

[@TigerzLionzPistonzWingz]

This will never stop giving me chills and tears.

[@bernlin2000]

Awwwww....Carole is SO OVERWHELMED by this honor. Aretha is just on another level from other vocalists.

[@BigGladiator_707]

Chris Ducat LOL I was thinking the same thing

[@jimquantic]

Someone always-always, a rule of life, someone will be a =====turd.

[@droidgeist]

Carole King wasn't overwhelmed with ego. One of the greatest songwriters of all time was overjoyed to hear one of the greatest singers of all time sing one of her songs. It's called being happy.

[@moiramccleary]

Ed Hye And its RESPECT. Two of the greats.

[@brainsareus]

Phil Hey stupid, Carole is a humble doll.

[@leapatterson2655]

One of the most amazing performances I’ve ever seen… The Queen Of Soul!!!! Rest on Queen Aretha, rest on 💜

[@someonelovesyouhere]

SOMEONE LOVES YOU HERE: ARETHA FRANKLIN

[@Camila-im9ws]

This is the most liberating, empowering, and authentic performances I've seen in a very long time. What a queen.

[@karadiberlino]

😂😂😂👈🏼

[@precioustraveler]

RIP Queen. Drag that fur through heaven.

[@rochellecrump-mcnulty9675]

precioustraveler A great comment

[@storieswithori]

Yes. She better

[@32ahoy]

Best comment ever!!!

[@kayserria]

I so love this comment!!

[@jakerj96]

I was crying at this and then I seen this comment and it made burst into laughter! 😂

[@karenshurley4793]

Carol King wrote this beautiful song and Aretha made it her own. Aretha’s voice gives me goosebumps, so strong and pulls me in. She wrings every emotion out of me and she’s not even half way through Natural Woman. Aretha’s legacy will live forever. I need to rest now; I am physically and emotionally worn out from Aretha’s four minutes of sheer power!

[@drjimjam1112]

So blessed to have been alive when these music icons were belting out this epic music.

[@grendelz]

This is one of the greatest performances ever. All of these powerful people paid their respect to the queen. RIP.

[@manuelpassarella]

She walks on stage and rips it without breaking a sweat... Perfect, just perfect. For her was just another gig. What a command of the stage!

[@druboy7201]

Carole Kings' reaction to Aretha's singing he song is truly a heart stopping moment. don't think Carole was expecting that.

[@TNGURL08]

If I am correct, I believe she helped write the song she just sung? So so touching!

[@xoxolovechristielynn]

@@TNGURL08 Aretha didn’t help write this one, it was written by Carole King and Jerry Wexler but Aretha is definitely the one who turned it into MAGIC. 💜

[@TNGURL08]

@@xoxolovechristielynn 🧡🤎💛, thanks for the correction! Such a beautiful moment in time!

[@xoxolovechristielynn]

@@TNGURL08 absolutely! People like Aretha are so rare, she was truly such an icon and watching Carole watch her sing their song, was so so moving. Definitely made me choke up, especially now that Aretha has passed. What a special moment. 😭

[@simplybeautiful9021]

The best thing I've done today was to come here for a does of Aretha, we miss you Ma' and happy international women's day to you wherever you are. We still love and celebrate you our queen.

[@PiazzaGurl]

She took Carol’s breath. King is such an amazing writer. This is beautiful.

[@brunetteXer]

my god, that voice, what a legend. How can you not cry in the presence of such true greatness?

[@NaturalWorksWellnessMassage]

This is legendary! When she dropped her fur that was it! Pure gold! Nothing else to be done! Wow! Una Reina! 👑

[@someonelovesyouhere]

SOMEONE LOVES YOU HERE: ARETHA FRANKLIN

[@Peaches1691]

I grew up with her music and it still very special to my heart. All the GREAT singers that have passed on will ALWAYS be remembered forever and ever. This was wonderful to listen to again. Brings back the good times in my life.

[@ry8729]

This woman holds honorary degrees (in music) from Harvard, Yale, Princeton and University of Michigan. Arguably, one of the most respected singers/musicians alive on this planet!

[@snavarro228]

R Y don't forget her songwriting credits too!

[@diane9247]

Plus, she's a Goddess!

[@gistunwind2750]

R Y to m

[@michaelwade7327]

R Y No argument! She is INCREDIBLE!

[@nwokeugochi1111]

R Y I always ask my self you can sing does that stop one from getting a degree.i mean education.its important. Do your av to be about money boots drugs jail etc to make hit records or dissing some one.we have artist that sing clean lyric and are good at what the do.

[@oadmhernandez]

Simply amazing. At 74 yrs of age, and this is the kind of performance she gives, I wonder how it would have been to see her in person during her prime. I'm honored just to be able to see this timeless classic on youtube.

[@doloresschultz8393]

God given talent. RIP Aretha.

[@drmauriciodiaz]

What a glorious voice and what a memorable and classy time in the life of the USA. RIP, Queen of Soul.

[@derekdavies8694]

Jamie Dorman

[@estebanblanco9387]

Uffff. Goose bumps everywhere in my body. She is a national treasure who I cherish. WHAT. A. VOICE. That soulful sound that only she can produce.

[@alightthatnevergoesout]

Aretha Franklin is one of those artists you listen to and realise there’s a standard for greatness. Then you spend the rest of your life measuring artists up against that standard just to see how great they really are.

[@thebig5893]

Lil baby is the Standard of greatness

[@markmywords12u]

lmao

[@harbourheightsja2383]

I don't. I measure them by their performance

[@earlganuelas]

There was Ella Fitzgerald, then Aretha Franklin, then Whitney Houston. To me, the trinity of female singers that may forever be the standard.

[@Trivuality]

This has to be one of the most epic performances in HISTORY - a legend performing a legend's song - just WOW, what incredible women and what incredible musicians!

[@LG-kx8xl]

Look at Carole King's surprised look & total appreciation seeing Aretha play piano & sing the song she wrote. Also, President Obama's tears are inspiring. This is Beautiful!!! R.I.P. Queen of Soul Miss Aretha Franklin. I also had the rare Joy of seeing Aretha & George Michael in concert in Detroit back in the day singing their hit I Knew You Were Waiting For Me ❤Aretha❤George❤ R.I.P❤

[@stephenspencer4672]

One the greatest and most emotional moments in Kennedy Center Honors 🎖 history. Lady Soul and one half of the duo who wrote of her greatest hits.😊❤❤

[@someonelovesyouhere]

💕

[@karenmyhill4123]

I'm sixty one and organised my funeral on this ladys songs..I loved her so much.hope I meet her on the other side my ultimate dream .RIP my lady

[@tokyo7890]

I love her performance of course but more than that, I love how everyone react to her performance, what a genuine beautiful people !

[@wujekobamy8909]

You must be very naive. Young probably 🤣

[@funonutube100]

Picking myself up off the floor.....totally blown away!!!!!!!!! All hail Aretha!!!!

[@bethanyleigh216]

SAME!

[@CarinTibellAhlin]

I've now watched this outstanding and absolutely unique performance uncountable times, and I still get shivers down my whole body. There is such power of music in every fibre of Aretha Franklin, she's magical. Her voice will never fade or leave, ever. ❤🎶❤️

[@ronkatz4230]

I am boggled that there are 1.8K people who did not like this video. This is one of the greatest performances I have ever witnessed.

[@aylbdrmadison1051]

The truly sad part is, that they actually _disliked_ it. Now just think about this; what could the motivation to spend your time searching for, then going to, _just to dislike it_ be? I've thought about this and talked with others about it a number of times, and only one conclusion is ever drawn: they believe that somehow _disliking something actually increases the likeability of something they personally prefer._ And that is a real sadness. :/

[@rhondaboncutter5812]

Oh, I loved it!

[@johnhowell4098]

Haters gonna hate.

[@RobJazzful]

Right? Exactly WHAT did they dislike? All the Black Energy and Love? It makes Nazis uncomfortable, I guess.

[@Alpha-Andromeda]

They don’t approve of wearing fur. That’s an acceptable dislike. Obviously it’s not related to Aretha’s performance, so why fret?

[@drumsNstuff79]

Wow. The undisputed Queen! There is good and then there is great. There is great and then there is phenomenal!

[@gatosfidel]

The QUEEN OF MUSIC honored her by giving a performance that made all the theater to stand ovation before even the song ends. Goosebumps!!!

[@unevet882]

I cant describe words for Queen of music, but i like how that lady enjoying how Queen is performing 🙏👌😍

[@ferox965]

achingly beautiful. The sheer joy on Carole King's face says it all. Make music your religion.

[@globalduck1313]

Aretha Franklin Has Passed Away in Detroit this morning, August 16, 2018 at the age of 76. The world lost an amazing human being, humanitarian, and entertainer today :-( RIP Queen

[@SR-hs6pg]

Arethra Franklin :) in our hearts, our souls.. and dance to her voice.. She sure loved life.. we sure loved this beautiful woman. Always forever..

[@fernandomoralesmonge6948]

I got the chills while reading this and listening at her amazing voice, WOW 🤩🤍☁️

[@msoperator510]

@Eduardo Figueroa Elvis died August 16/ 1977, (Not 2018)

[@joelcrow]

Every single one of us should aspire to the level of class that this woman amazes you with in the first 3 seconds you see her. She absolutely ROCKED the Kennedy Center with this performance. My goodness.

[@lisadavenport2390]

This is one of my fave songs of all time. I miss Ms Aretha Franklin. 😢She was a beautiful singer. Best of all time

[@henryjonas9302]

Just brought me to tears. This is one of the most moving performances I’ve every seen.

[@someonelovesyouhere]

💕

[@daimlerbenzstuttgart]

I think she brought EVERYONE to Tears! Just Incredible! R.I.P.

[@tremaine861]

The soul this woman oozes in her songs always stuns me. Slay Retha.

[@marydansby2083]

A talent that only comes around once in a lifetime...the voice of a powerful angel!

[@SIBONEYMUSIC]

Her voice is just like wine! Gets better and better over time. Love her passion and charisma ♥️♥️♥️

[@katc2345]

I can't express how much I love this woman! I've loved that glorious woman since I was a kid when I first heard her sing and she touched my soul with her voice! I cried as a grown woman when she passed and felt like I lost a beloved family member. I wish I could've been there at this performance! You can see the love on so many faces, especially Carole King. I love you Miss Franklin, always! Xoxoxo

[@PaulAlan-ml8yw]

Beautiful comment, how are you doing?

[@someonelovesyouhere]

SOMEONE LOVES YOU HERE: ARETHA FRANKLIN

[@LaShanaLatrice]

i’ve rewatched this on repeat and i’m just as emotional as the first time watching .. the power and passion is unmatched .. this brought me to tears every time wow what a woman

[@airn4789]

She makes it look so effortless. Like her voice is a light that just emanates out of her. She is one of, if not THE, best singer in the history of ever. Carole's love and excitement is so beautiful.

[@morgantucker3556]

The real passion she showed every time she sang was very very rare. I bet she was as kind when she was onstage as when she was off. I love her powerful music!

[@kay1kala]

Whatever she is doing to keep her voice in tip top shape the way it was when she first started singing is AMAZING! Not a lot of singers sound how they use to after so long, this sounds like she just recorded it in the studio today!

[@SuperCameron2222]

AsToldByKala she has lots and lots of training (vocal) from harvard, Yale, princeton and more

[@Shell0517nj]

the lady is no joke. well grounded. #awesome

[@nancyfischer4875]

AsToldByKala she's blessed!

[@dan44762000]

The truly amazing thing about this performance is its effortless, she isn't even trying, its from within, love this woman

[@AbbaZabbaOlyFrn]

So true, and Aretha sang for only one person in that entire room. That was a beautiful performance 😭

[@dan44762000]

@@AbbaZabbaOlyFrn

[@sandym8876]

I just listened to Carol King's it's too late, and I thought that might have been her overly excited and thrilled to hear the Queen perform. Aretha you will ALWAYS be a classy lady! Much ❤ Like many of you I can watch this over and over again!!

[@Samirah313]

This performance brings me to tears!!! I’m proud to say I’m from Detroit and Detroit really did the Queen proud!!! Her send-off was phenomenal! Her passing hurts today as though it just happened! The Heavenly Choir is definitely blessed with Auntie Aretha’s presence!!

[@janjelinek3590]

i hear it after about 100 but still chills. A strong voice, a strong woman with an extraordinary story. RIP Aretha. We know you here and in the Czech Republic 🙏🇨🇿

[@someonelovesyouhere]

SOMEONE LOVES YOU HERE: ARETHA FRANKLIN

[@billielittle]

The great Aretha Franklin singing the amazing Carole King talk about living legends. They don't make them like this anymore not even close. Even the back up singers rock. Singers today , and I don't care who they are, don't come close to this lady what a voice no auto tune here.

[@jayelove1504]

Amen to that....

[@bronwynhanlon4076]

Billie Little m

[@katieleaston]

Billie Little

[@billielittle]

Not true. Lol. Find it kind of crazy that you are blaming white people for the crap that is on the radio. Yeah nice try, but no cigar. Back in the day when most radio stations were run by whites you had greats like Aretha, Roberta Flack, Gladys Knight, Tina Turner, and the amazing women groups of the 50's and 60's on the radio all the time. They topped the charts. That is how I know of them from the radio. I remember that in the 80's Aretha was on the radio a lot she had songs that were in the charts and mainstream radio played her like they played Natalie Cole, and the amazing Anita Baker, for example, all the time. There was quite a lot of RB on mainstream radio not just New Wave, Pop, or rock. Now you get a choice of crap and garbage for the most part anyway.

[@mitchgawlik1175]

Billie Little, you spoke the truth in both comments. It's not a color line that's keeping great music from us, it's a youth and marketing line. When will someone understand that both white and black America knows what it wants. There should always be a place for talent like Aretha Franklin, Mavis Staples, Carole King, Flack, Knight and so many others.

[@penandroll9287]

So happy i got to live in the times of Aretha Franklin...Love her so much

[@pauln8913]

I have been fighting cancer for 5 yrs now. I watch this once a month or more. Aretha just impresses me so much. I think my President knew she was sick. I cry every time I watch this.

[@iec7587]

Fight like hell

[@glorifigueroa5238]

My prayers with you !!!!

[@juliemcguire5]

Praying for you! You've got this!

[@Andrew-Hawk]

Good luck Sir in beating over this damn disease! Keep strong 💪🏼

[@sjsartanddesign]

I wish you well and many many more years of listening to great music.