This week, thousands of fans have traveled from all over the world to pay their respects to the late, legendary Aretha Franklin. The singer’s two-day public viewing has been widely discussed by news outlets and social media users everywhere. But tomorrow, her family will officially lay her to rest.
For the upcoming funeral service on Friday, August 31, the “Queen of Soul” will have a star-studded lineup of talented performers. From gospel singers Tasha Cobb and Yolanda Adams, to R&B sensations like Jennifer Hudson and Fantasia, the list is probably one of the best lineups you’ll ever hear about all in one building.
Another legend who will be performing is Chaka Khan. Now, we all know Chaka can tear any house down with her massive, beautiful voice. But despite her undeniable talent, she’s admitted something that has actually surprised quite a few fans.
Performance Jitters:
Earlier today, TMZ caught up with Chaka Khan at the airport in Los Angeles, CA while she was preparing to travel to Detroit, MI for tomorrow’s funeral service. When asked about the upcoming funeral, she offered an interesting response. Although she’ll be singin’ “Going Up Yonder,” a song we all know she’s familiar with, that doesn’t mean she isn’t nervous.
“I think it’s a positive, beautiful spin on this thing called life. Death is a part of life.” She said of the song she’ll be singing. “I’m very nervous.”
Check out the video of Chaka:
https://youtu.be/KZsJbkUYCCk
On Donald Trump:
Over the past two weeks, the world has mourned not only the loss of Aretha Franklin, but also the death of Sen. John McCain. For those who don’t know, the United States president normally attends the funeral services of notable public figures, but when it comes to Trump, he hasn’t been gettin’ too many invites. McCain made it clear Trump was not welcome at his service and Barack Obama would be delivering the eulogy; but what about Aretha Franklin’s official service?
Chaka Khan was asked about the situation and she admitted she thinks First Lady Melania Trump would likely attend before he’d actually take time out of his schedule to come, although it would be befitting if he opted to pay respects.
“If anybody would come, it probably be his wife,” Chaka said. “I don’t think he’d come, but it would be appropriate if they did come.”
Based on Trump’s latest antics it would probably be better if he just let the queen have her day and not put a damper on her service with his presence.
Watch Aretha’s Funeral Live:
Chaka Khan’s latest chat about the upcoming funeral service follows a string of reports revealing how fans can view the service. According to EurWeb, there are quite a few outlets that will broadcast the funeral on television and online.
Bounce TV will televise the service, and its Brown Sugar channel will carry the livestream. Bounce and Brown Sugar will partner with Bounce’s local Detroit affiliate, WXYZ-TV, to air and stream WXYZ’s hometown coverage and commentary nationwide.
The Word Network, the largest African American religious network, will air the service in its entirety starting at 10 a.m. via television and live-stream on their website. (Detroit-based audiences can watch on Channel 2, Channel 4 and Channel 7.)
Detroit’s local news channels WDIV-TV, WJBK-TV and WXYZ-TV, will carry the funeral live, and will stream on their respective websites. CNN , MSNBC and (yes) Fox News, will air portions of the event nationally. The Detroit News will provide live coverage for the service via its social media. The Associated Press will carry the entire service on its livestream YouTube channel.
The service will begin at 9:00 AM EST on Friday, August 31 at Detroit’s Greater Grace Temple.
