Honoring Aretha Franklin: Upcoming Tributes & Star-Studded Events You Can’t Miss

Get ready, music lovers! The Queen of Soul is being celebrated in the most fabulous way, and we're here for it! Celebs, fans, and music icons alike are coming together to honor the legendary Aretha Franklin through a dazzling array of events and tributes that are set to hit the stage, screens, and the streets in the coming months. Whether you grew up dancing to "Respect" or only recently discovered her powerful vocals through streaming playlists, you won’t want to miss a second of this soul-packed celebration.

2024 is shaping up to be the year of Aretha, so mark your calendars and get ready to honor Detroit’s reigning diva the way she deserves — in true superstar fashion.

R-E-S-P-E-C-T at the GRAMMY Museum

First up, the iconic GRAMMY Museum in Los Angeles is going all out with their newly curated exhibit, “Aretha: Queen of Soul,” launching July 2024. Expect dazzling pieces from Aretha’s legendary wardrobe, never-before-seen photos, exclusive interviews, and rare performance footage. Trust us, it’s gonna be major.

According to museum insiders, the exhibit dives deep into her career — from gospel roots in the Motor City all the way to her globally adored renditions of “Natural Woman” and “Think.” The interactive section will allow visitors to remix her greatest hits (yes, you get to play DJ!), making it a must-see for fans and pop culture enthusiasts alike.

Detroit's Doing It Big — Of Course!

It wouldn’t be a true tribute to Aretha without her beloved hometown doing what it does best: showing love through soul and style.

Detroit’s annual “Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre Summer Tribute Concert” is back and bolder than ever. Scheduled for August 17, 2024 — coinciding with the anniversary of Aretha’s passing — this year’s lineup is rumored to be a mix of powerhouse voices from R&B, gospel, and pop. We’re hearing names like Jennifer Hudson (who slayed as Aretha in the biopic “Respect”), Fantasia Barrino, India.Arie, and even an appearance from legend Patti LaBelle herself. Can you say chills?

Tickets are already in high demand, and with general admission expected to sell out fast, real fans will want to secure their seats ASAP.

TV Specials Bringing the Soul

Streaming platforms are stepping up with content you’ll want on repeat.

BET is dropping a two-part Aretha Franklin documentary series titled “The Soul Behind the Voice” later this summer. Featuring never-before-heard interviews, throwback performances, and commentary from Beyoncé, Alicia Keys, and Clive Davis, this docuseries is destined to trend hard. Mark your watchlist for a late August premiere — yes, it's giving must-watch vibes.

And in classic Lifetime fashion, a re-airing of the limited series “Genius: Aretha” is on deck — with Cynthia Erivo’s Emmy-nominated performance once again taking center stage. Make it a girls’ night and turn your TV into a soul sanctuary.

National Aretha Tribute Day?

Hold onto your hats — there’s growing buzz around establishing a national “Aretha Franklin Day” in the United States. Fans and advocates are flooding social media with support, using trending hashtags like #HonorAretha and #RespectTheQueen. The movement aims to officially recognize her legacy with an annual day of music, community service, and national programming from major networks and radio stations.

While not officially confirmed yet, sources say congressional leaders from Michigan and New York are backing the idea. Could this be the next big step in immortalizing her impact? We’re staying tuned.

Influencers + TikTok = Viral Resurgence

It’s not just the legacy media celebrating Aretha — Gen Z is officially obsessed.

Thanks to TikTok, songs like “Rock Steady” and “Ain’t No Way” are having viral moments, soundtracking everything from fierce makeup transitions to emotional tribute reels. Gen Z influencers are even participating in the #RespectChallenge — a stylish and soulful dance tribute that’s gaining millions of views per week.

Brands are also joining in, with curated ‘Queen of Soul’ playlists now trending on Spotify and Apple Music. And yes, retro fashion brands are launching Aretha-inspired capsule collections, perfect for showing your love in style.

Final Curtain Call (But Make It Fabulous)

If you only make it to one Aretha Franklin event this year, let it be the “Aretha Forever: A Celebration Concert” scheduled for September 2024 at New York City’s Radio City Music Hall. Produced by the same minds behind “We Love Whitney,” this glittering tribute concert promises a one-night-only, no-holds-barred homage featuring A-listers across music genres.

Expect performances from John Legend, Andra Day, H.E.R., and even Adele — who’s reportedly long been a fan and will deliver a soulful rendition of “I Never Loved a Man (The Way I Love You).” It’s going to be one for the music history books, darling.

The Legacy Lives On

Aretha Franklin wasn’t just a singer; she was a movement, a voice of empowerment, and a cultural touchstone. As 2024 continues to serve up major tributes, her influence proves more iconic and unshakable than ever. Whether through music, fashion, or timeless performances, honoring Aretha is trending — and rightfully so.

So go ahead and queue up her greatest hits, grab your glittery mic (or hairbrush), and belt out your best version of “Respect.” Because this season, we’re all singing in harmony, Remembering Aretha.

Stay tuned to E! News for breaking updates, celebrity lineups, and exclusive previews of every event paying tribute to the one and only Queen of Soul.

Aretha forever.

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