Aretha Franklin’s Granddaughter Auditions for ‘American Idol’

Aretha Franklin’s Granddaughter Auditions for ‘American Idol’ Doesn’t Get In Causing Friction Between Lionel Richie and Katy Perry

The auditions for the talent competition show American Idol has started and have already drawn the likes of a descendant of R&B loyalty. And being the granddaughter of a legend, controversy ensued between the gatekeepers of the competition.

The audition process for the show American Idol has started and is already being talked about and we’re only in the beginning stages of the show. According to Entertainment Weekly, the granddaughter of legendary soul singer Aretha Franklin showed up at the tryouts. Grace Franklin who shares the genes of one of the world’s best vocalists in history emerged in front of the American Idol judges.

CNN reported that Franklin, who is just 15-years-old appeared in the Sunday episode of American Idol and belted out two songs for the judges. She did a rendition of The Fugees’ Lauryn Hill-led version of Roberta Flack’s song, “Killing Me Softly,” and also sang one of her grandmother’s hit “Ain’t No Way.”

Being kin to a singing legend leads to high expectations according to Franklin.

“I got to see her all the time. I used to travel with her a lot,” Grace said. “I don’t think I could fully grasp the fact that she was known worldwide, because to me, she was always just grandma. I feel like people expect me to sing exactly like her, but I’m my own artist and I have my own voice.”

After performing, the three judges, Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie had to vote on whether Franklin should be allowed to get to the next round. As Bryan decided against it, Perry was all for her advancing, so Richie, as the deciding vote, went with Bryan in denying Franklin, right now, that entry into following in her grandmother’s footsteps.

Richie gave Franklin some friendly advice to advance her career.

“Go back and get a running start and come back at this again,” Richie said. As the Hello singer was getting the side-eye from Perry, he turned to her and said, “Are you putting pressure on me?”

To which she responds, “She’s got stardust. Give her a shot. Give her a chance. I’m sure Aretha wasn’t Aretha when she walked into the room, but somebody said, ‘Yes, I want to work with you, I want to develop you, you’ve got something.’ ”

As Richie gave the young singer some sound advice, encouraging her not to give up, in a fit of frustration, Perry protests, and states, “I will lay down on the ground. I quit this show. I’m going to the bar,” and walked off the stage.

Richie gave her more words of wisdom as he embraced her: “Grace, you know how I feel about your family and you, but I don’t want this to be a crash and burn,” he said. “It’s gonna be a ‘no’ from me this time, but an optimistic, ‘Come back and see us,’ okay? Make that work, okay?”

Aretha Franklin’s Granddaughter Auditions for ‘American Idol’ Doesn’t Get In Causing Friction Between Lionel Richie and Katy Perry