The Roots and Ariana Grande Pay Tribute to Aretha Franklin With A Cover Of “Natural Woman”

The world lost the Queen of Soul yesterday and tributes poured in from just about everywhere.

People on social media discussed their favorite song, their favorite performance, their favorite diva moment, it was honestly so beautiful. 

Ariana Grande — who’s currently promoting the release of her latest album Sweetener — was asked by Jimmy Fallon if she’d pay tribute to Franklin since she was scheduled to appear on “The Late Show With Jimmy Fallon.”

Although TMZ reports that Grande was initially reluctant to perform because she was too emotional over Franklin’s death. However, the Roots reportedly convinced her to do a cover of “Natural Woman.”

According to TMZ, Grande was so distraught that after the performance, she cried backstage. The audience however apparently gave her a standing ovation.

Backup by the Roots and talented backup singers, all in all her rendition was pretty amazing. Watch it below.

Before her performance, Grande had been posting a couple of special Franklin moments on her social media including a clip of the Queen singing “I Say a Little Prayer.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bmi3l7un3Rv/?taken-by=arianagrande

And this lovely image of the two singers together.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bmi5veGnCun/?taken-by=arianagrande

Her album has been out for less than a day and it’s already #1 in 81 countries. Franklin would be proud.

We also think Grande did a phenomenal job of performing such a powerful song by someone she clearly admired so much. Did you enjoy it? Please let us know about your favorite Aretha Franklin moment in the comment section below.