According to a recent interview that appeared in USA Today, the Queen of Soul wants to do songs written by Ne-Yo and Musiq Soulchild.

source: http://www.usatoday.com/l...etha_N.htm

If Barack Obama feels like a change of pace after his gig as leader of the free world, he might consider a singing career. That's according to no less an authority than Aretha Franklin.
The president-elect "has a good, melodic voice," says Franklin, who heard him croon at a rally in Detroit last year. "He knew I was there, and he sang a fabulous version of Chain of Fools. Well, he sang the hook. The crowd just loved it."

The Queen of Soul will return the favor Tuesday when she performs on the steps of the Capitol to commemorate Obama's inauguration. She's excited "to be part of this special moment in American history and in African-American history."

Franklin met Obama in 2005, at the funeral of civil rights icon Rosa Parks. Before that, she heard him address the 2004 Democratic Convention. "I was impressed from the very beginning. He strikes me as someone who cares about people, about all people."

The invitation to sing at the inaugural ceremony is the latest in a string of honors for Franklin. Last year, she collected her 18th Grammy Award and was named MusiCares Person of the Year. She also received the NAACP's Vanguard Award and topped Rolling Stone's list of the 100 Greatest Singers of All Time.

FIND MORE STORIES IN: Barack Obama | Detroit | New York | Rolling Stone | Jennifer Hudson | Halle Berry | Aretha Franklin | Plan B | Rosa Parks | Grammy Award | Ne-Yo | Smokey | Stevie | Democratic Convention | Queen of Soul | Anthony DeCurtis | Chain of Fools | MusiCares Person | Plan C | Vanguard Award | Aretha From These Roots
"I'm struck by how original her singing still sounds," says Rolling Stone contributing editor Anthony DeCurtis. "(She's not like those) technically great singers who seem to be just showing off. Everything she does is right for the emotional moment."

Franklin will try to impart that approach to fledgling vocalists. "I'd love to teach a master class, or a series of them." She hopes to hold auditions in Detroit and New York in the fall for "select students who sing in any and every genre."

For all young performers, Franklin offers this practical advice: "Listen to your parents. They've had experiences that you haven't had, and that's important to singing. And be sure you have something you can fall back on. Have a Plan B and a Plan C."

Franklin's own plans include a new album, "probably in the spring or early summer. I've been talking to Ne-Yo about writing for me, and to (Musiq) Soulchild. And I still want to do something with Smokey and Stevie," she says, citing two other old-school legends whose last names needn't be mentioned.

The travel-shy diva anticipates "a little light touring, because I'm semi-retired." She also needs time to update her autobiography, 1999's Aretha: From These Roots. She's in discussions for a film version.

So who would play the queen on screen? "I'm thinking somewhere between Halle Berry and Jennifer Hudson."

*****
Seems the woman recently named The Greatest Singer in the Rock and Roll Era by Rolling Stone Magazine, seems not to have any desire to do soul music that paved her path to international acclaim. With Musiq we may get more soulful sound, by gender bender Ne-Yo will be nore fluffyisms, not suited for Aretha IMHO.
Aretha must've lost her mid to think Halle Berry would be a good candidate to play her in a movie - insane notion...

also, she and Diddy are allegedely doing a reality tv takent show...

source: http://www.starpulse.com/...front_new_

The Diddy and Aretha Show, Pair Teams Up For Reality Series

The Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, has reportedly taken interest in reality TV and she`s tapped Sean `Diddy` Combs to mold that interest into reality.

According to network sources, Franklin and Diddy will partner up for an `American Idol` type talent series next year.

Unlike American Idol, Aretha Franklin says the weekly cuts and season winner will be determined by herself and Diddy.

"The country will not vote. It will be just me and Diddy voting for who the next star will be."

While an official premiere date is not set in stone, the show is rumored to be hitting television late next year.

Aretha said in an interview that she wanted to try new things musically. She's studying classical piano to brush up on her skills but I didn't think she wanted to go in this direction.

RnBAmbassador said:

Auntie Re-re, STOP IT!!!!

ScarletScandal said:

Aretha and Ne-Yo. Wouldn't be the first time she works with a closeted gay pop star

She wants to fatten them up and eat them!!!!

bboy87 said:

But really, STOP the madness.

Aretha honey, I know those little boys are cute and all and you'd like to play with them in the sandbox but they ain't your grandchildren. Now, it's getting late and I'm sure their mama is worried about them so take off your bra and slingshot their little asses back home to mama.

SCNDLS said:

bboy87 said:

Lawd, I'ma be praying for the President on Tuesday.