The opening of the GRAMMYs was truly a religious experience. Christina Aguilera, Jennifer Hudson, Florence Welch, Yolanda Adams, and Martina McBride singing Aretha Franklin songs? Yes, please! More of that!
Christina Aguilera, following her controversial Super Bowl performance, showed again why she has one of the best voices in pop (For the record, I enjoyed her Super Bowl appearance, but maybe that is because I had Fergie to compare it to). Speaking of Super Bowl national anthem controversy Jennifer Hudson brought it like she always does. She should never sing to a track, ever. Easily my favorite American Idol stand-out yet. You go Jennifer!
Perhaps the biggest winner in the opening bout was Florence Welch, the English songstress and front lady of Florence + the Machine. Easily the least known lady on stage, and sticking out like a sore redheaded thumb, she showed that she belonged with the superstars on stage. I can only hope this will cause many to check out her fantastic 2009 record Lungs.
The best thing about the opening number was that it showcased how Aretha’s timeless classics transcend genre. All five female singers performed in their own distinct style, yet never seemed out of place within the songs.
That alone is perhaps the greatest tribute to Aretha.
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