Aretha Franklin

Jennifer Hudson was named entertainer of the year at the 53rd annual NAACP Image Awards that highlighted works by entertainers and writers of color.

After Hudson accepted the award on Feb. 26' night, the singer-actor thanked the NAACP for inspiring ``little girls like me.'' She beat out Regina King, Lil Nas X, Megan Thee Stallion and Tiffany Haddish.

Jennifer Hudson says she is nervous and excited for people to see "Respect," her personal tribute to the late Aretha Franklin in which she was cast for the role by the Queen of Soul herself.

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Franklin, who died in 2018 at age 76, handpicked Hudson, an Oscar winner for "Dreamgirls," to play her in the biographical movie that arrives in theaters on Aug. 13.

Singer, songwriter and composer Maxim Vaga will be performing at Booze Cooperativa in downtown Athens, in the context of the venue's "KOTES" series of events. The young Berlin-based artist's debut single, "Don't Let Her Go," came out in 2019 and he is gearing up to release an EP. His music is influenced by blues artists ranging from Aretha Franklin to the Black Keys.

Celine Dion, Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Hudson and John Legend will be among a host of singers to perform at a tribute concert for the late Aretha Franklin in January, the Recording Academy and other groups announced on Dec. 28.

The world-renowned Harlem Gospel Choir comes to Athens with a special tribute to the great Aretha Franklin, who passed away in August at the age of 76. The acclaimed ensemble will perform at Gazarte on Thursday, December 20, and tickets, starting at 18 euros, are on sale at www.viva.gr and tel 11876.

Members of Aretha Franklin's family felt the eulogy for the Queen of Soul delivered by a pastor at her funeral last week was "offensive and distasteful", they said on Sept. 3.

Aretha Franklin, the undisputed "Queen of Soul" who sang with matchless style on such classics as "Think," "I Say a Little Prayer" and her signature song, "Respect," and stood as a cultural icon around the globe, has died at age 76 from advance pancreatic cancer.