Jerritt Clark/Getty ImagesFaith Hill had the honor of being the first soloist to sing at Aretha Franklin’s home-going service Friday at Greater Grace Temple in Detroit.
Though the start of the Celebration of Life for the Queen of Soul was delayed for about an hour as the crowd filed in, things moved quickly once the prayers and scriptures began.
“Hello! Celebrate Aretha! Sing with me!” Faith said, as she took the stage in an elegant black dress with a shoulder cut-out.
The crowd rose to its feet as the Mississippi native delivered a soul-infused version of “What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” accompanied by the Aretha Franklin Celebration Choir and Orchestra. The Queen herself recorded the classic hymn on her landmark live gospel album from 1972, Amazing Grace.
A who’s-who of superstars applauded Faith’s performance, including Cicely Tyson, Tyler Perry, Smokey Robinson, and many more.
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