How Aretha Franklin inspired reality singing competitions like American Idol

The Washington Post

The Queen of Soul expressed interest in 2012 in joining the then-Fox reality singing competition as a judge. As Emily Yahr points out, Idol had a particular connection with Franklin. In 2012, the contestants traveled to Detroit for a special sit-down with her. But it wasn't just Idol that Franklin influenced. "If there was a prize for the song performed most frequently on a reality singing competition show, '(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman' would have an easy shot at the crown," says Yahr. Contestants on everything from The Voice to Nashville Star to America's Got Talent "wanted to be like her, and they wanted to sing like her," says Yahr. "Franklin songs from 'Respect' to 'Chain of Fools' to 'Ain’t No Way' continue to be a reality show staple."

ALSO:

• MTV VMAs producer is scrambling to put together a tribute: "She’s one of the all-time greats so we have to do her justice"
• Franklin's version of the A Different World theme song is the only one that matters
• Late-night hosts pay tribute to Franklin: Trevor Noah recalled growing up to Franklin's music in a a “between the scenes” video
• Don Cheadle recalled to Jimmy Kimmel texting with Franklin
• From Scandal to GLOW: How TV and movies used Franklin's songs
• Scandal first use of an Aretha Franklin was her cover of "Bridge Over Troubled Water"
• Watch David Letterman interview Franklin in 1981 and see her Late Show appearances between 1994 and 2014