Aretha Franklin's spirit was all up and through the 2018 American Music Awards as black singers hit the stage to sing praises to the most high in her honor. Catch the Holy Spirit inside...
Aretha Franklin's physical body may no longer be with us, but her musical spirit is still amongst us.
A handful of YBF stars hit the stage at the 2018 American Music Awards held at the Microsoft Theater to pay tribute to the late Aretha Franklin.
Gladys Knight, Donnie McClurkin, CeCe Winanas, Ledisi, and Mary Mary performed a medley of gospel hits, including a few hymns she performed famous renditions of, to honor the Queen of Soul.
Aretha's 1972 album Amazing Grace is still the best-selling live gospel album. Over the years, the Queen of Soul won six AMAs and hosted the awards show in 1976 and 1983.
It was an honor to pay tribute to you Re. I love you @ArethaFranklin. #AMAspic.twitter.com/83suM8SePv
— Gladys Knight (@MsGladysKnight) October 10, 2018
Auntie Gladys performed a stirring rendition of gospel classic "Amazing Grace," then Donnie McClurkin hit the stage to sing "Climb Higher Mountains," which was played at Aretha's funeral.
The gorgeous CeCe Winans then hit the stage to perform "Mary Don't You Weep." She was followed by Ledisi who sung "How I Got Over." Then, Mary Mary brought down the house with "Old Landmark."
We couldn't help but notice how most of the non-people of color in the audience looked like they had no idea what they were listening to. That off beat clapping and dancing lie they were at the club chile. We couldn't help but cringe. Oh wells. Let the spirit move 'em as it may.
Peep a clip from the tribute below:
Aretha Franklin’s granddaughter Victoria watched Gladys Knight pay tribute to her grandmother with “Amazing Grace” on the #AMAs . #AMAsOn2pic.twitter.com/RowQOX4AqK
— WSB-TV (@wsbtv) October 10, 2018
Photos: Getty
