Performers Announced For Aretha Franklin’s Funeral
Aretha Franklin’s funeral next week will be one that is worthy of the Queen of Soul. The Franklin family has announced that as many as 19 artists are set to perform at the service, including Stevie Wonder, Faith Hill, Ronald Isley, Chaka Khan and Jennifer Hudson, who Aretha handpicked to play her in an upcoming biopic on her life.
The funeral will be held August 31st at the Greater Grace Temple in Detroit, with Fantasia, Yolanda Adams, Shirley Caesar, the Clark Sisters and Jennifer Holliday also set to perform.
The service, officiated by Bishop Charles H. Ellis III, will be a private affair and not open to the public. The public will get a chance to pay their respects to the Queen of Soul. An open viewing for the public will take place from 9am to 9pm on August 28th and 29th at Detroit’s Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History.
Ariana Grande Almost Didn’t Write Manchester Tribute
The song “Get Well Soon” on Ariana Grande’s “Sweetener” album is about the Manchester terror attacks, and now she reveals that she actually didn’t want to write the song in the first place, but Pharrell convinced her to do it.
"Overall, [Pharrell] kind of forced it out of me," Ari tells Troye Sivan in an interview for “Paper.” "Because I was in a really bad place mentally. I've always had anxiety, I've had anxiety for years. But when I got home from tour it reached a very different, intense peak."
She adds, “[Pharrell] was like, 'You have to write about it. You need to make this into music and get this sh*t out, and I promise it will heal you.' And it definitely helped."
Simon Cowell Humbled By Walk Of Fame Star
Simon Cowell had tons of support at his Hollywood Walk of Fame Ceremony yesterday as he was joined by partner Lauren Silverman, their son Eric, and Adam - Lauren's son from a previous relationship.
The music boss was also joined by plenty of celeb friends to celebrate his big moment. "American Idol" alums Kelly Clarkson, Adam Lambert, Katharine McPhee (as well as her fiance David Foster), and Harry Connick Jr. joined "The X Factor" UK stars Louis Tomlinson and Leona Lewis at the event.
Simon was also supported by his "America’s Got Talent" co-stars Heidi Klum, Mel B, and Howie Mandel along with past winner Grace Vanderwaal.