Aretha Franklin: I Want to Be Idol Judge

Queen of Soul says via email that she's a big fan
By Polly Davis Doig,  Newser Staff
Posted Jul 15, 2012 11:32 AM CDT
Aretha Franklin: I Want to Be Idol Judge
This Jan. 14, 2012 file photo, shows Aretha Franklin performing during the BET Honors at the Warner Theatre in Washington.   (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, file)

American Idol is down Steven Tyler and J.Lo (and maybe Randy Jackson, for the trifecta), but one hefty voice is volunteering her talents as judge: None other than Aretha Franklin told CNN via email yesterday that she's interested in the gig. The 70-year-old Queen of Soul is apparently a big fan of the show, and offers up Patti LaBelle as a possible sidekick. Fox had no comment, but adding a judge of Franklin's caliber could provide the lagging show with a much-needed shot in the arm, CNN notes. (More Aretha Franklin stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X