Aretha Franklin, one of the most beautiful voices to ever grace the Earth, absolutely owned her performance Tuesday night when she sang “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” at the Kennedy Center Honors in Washington D.C.
Carole King, who co-wrote the song and was being honored at the ceremony, had quite the heartwarming reaction when Franklin came out and looked surprised when the singer sat down at the piano. She wasn’t just going to sing this one! But King couldn’t believe it as the opening notes for her song began to play. She was clearly touched by the moment. How many musicians get to hear Aretha Franklin perform one of their songs?
It wasn’t even 10 seconds into the performance when CBS cameras cut to an emotional President Barack Obama, who was wiping away a tear as Franklin sang. First Lady Michelle Obama was also riveted. Aretha brings out the enthusiastic fan in all of us.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5RIgeu-6Jcs
When Franklin got up from the piano and shrugged off her fur coat, the audience almost wasn’t ready to handle it. Everyone clearly knew they were witnessing greatness on stage. Franklin would receive a standing ovation before the song was even over. That’s how you really know you’re tearing down the house.
Along with King, Cicely Tyson, Seiji Ozawa, The Eagles, George Lucas (who was seated next to King), and Rita Moreno all were honored.
While there was plenty of talent and some big names at the Honors, Franklin’s performance stole the show and is an instant classic, which should come as no surprise to anybody who is a fan of her voice and her music. Go ahead and watch that video again. We’re going to.
