Fans are mourning the loss of the Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin, who sadly passed away on Aug. 16. Ariana Grande recently stopped by The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, where she honored Franklin with a moving rendition of the singer’s 1968 hit, “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman.”
Grand was originally scheduled to perform a song from her recently released album Sweetner, but switched it up in the wake of Franklin’s passing. With help from The Roots, Grande delivered an emotional tribute, belting out a medley of soothing notes. The “Bed” artist’s performance was so emotional that it led her to tears. The audience also reacted positively, giving her a standing ovation. Franklin reportedly called Grande to ask her to listen to music from one of her relatives. “She goes, ‘Hi, it’s a Aretha,'” Grande remembered. “I was like, ‘Franklin?'” Prior to the show, Grande also posted a photo of her and Franklin on Instagram.
As previously reported, Aretha Franklin passed away on Aug. 16, after losing her battle to pancreatic cancer. She was hospitalized just two days before she passed.
Other celebrity friends and fans including Nicki Minaj, John Legend, Missy Elliott, and Chance the Rapper paid their respects to the late singer.
Take a look at Ariana Grande’s tribute performance in the video above.
READ MORE: Aretha Franklin: Celebrity Tributes To the Queen of Soul