Aretha Franklin tribute concert to feature Kelly Clarkson, Celine Dion, more

Aretha Franklin performs at the world premiere of "Clive Davis:... — Aretha Franklin performs at the world premiere of "Clive Davis: The Soundtrack of Our Lives" at Radio City Music Hall, during the 2017 Tribeca Film Festival, in Manhattan. Credit: AP/Invision/Charles Sykes

By Glenn Gamboaglenn.gamboa@newsday.comDecember 27, 2018

Kelly Clarkson, Celine Dion, Alicia Keys and Jennifer Hudson are all set to pay tribute to the late Aretha Franklin for the CBS special “Aretha! A Grammy Celebration for the Queen of Soul,” which will be taped at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles on Jan. 13.

The special — which will be hosted by Tyler Perry and also include performances from Patti LaBelle, John Legend and current Grammy nominees Janelle Monae, Brandi Carlile, SZA, Chloe X Halle, and H.E.R. — will be broadcast later in 2019.

“Aretha Franklin's reign as the ‘Queen of Soul’ is incomparable and undisputed,” Recording Academy President/CEO Neil Portnow said in a statement. “For more than six decades, her extraordinary artistic achievements coupled with her passionate dedication to her philanthropic work — which ranged from children's and artists' issues to civil rights activism — served as a testament to her power, majesty, and genius. These gifts positioned her as a true cultural icon, and the Recording Academy is honored to celebrate her inspirational legacy.”