Watch: Country star Reba McEntire sings Aretha Franklin’s ‘Respect’
"I have the biggest smile on my face just watching" - Reba impressed music lovers with her 'Respect' cover.
Country superstar Reba McEntire stopped by 'The Jennifer Hudson Show' this week and treated the audience to a cover of one of Aretha Franklin's biggest hits.
The 68-year-old sang the 60s classic, 'Respect'. The track was originally recorded by singer-songwriter Otis Redding in 1965. Aretha covered the song in 1967. It was a worldwide hit and quickly became a women's empowerment anthem.
Reba put her own spin on Aretha's version in 1988. "I just liked the song," she told Jennifer Hudson.
The 'I'm a Survivor' hitmaker says she got to meet the late music icon. "She scared me to death. I wouldn't go up to talk to her. But I got to meet her in Washinton, D.C... she's just amazing."
Jennifer and Reba then belted out 'Respect' for the audience.
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"I have the biggest smile on my face just watching these two. Amazing talents! Much respect to Ms Reba," one YouTube user wrote about the mini performance.
Another user described Reba as "a national treasure".
Listen to Reba's version of 'Respect' below.
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Jennifer Hudson playing Aretha Franklin
Jennifer played Aretha Franklin in the 2021 'RESPECT' biopic. The biographical musical drama was helmed by South African-born director Liesl Tommy. Liesl is also a TONY winner.
Aretha handpicked Jennifer for the role. The pair developed a friendship after Jennifer won an Oscar for her performance in the movie 'Dreamgirls'.
"Even when it was time to film, I was still freaking out in my mind about it. But because she had said, ‘I want you to play me’, that gave me the courage to be able to get through it. It was like, well, if you believe I can do it, I’m willing to try," Jennifer told NME in an interview.
Beyoncé and Anika Noni Rose also appeared in 'Dreamgirls'.
ALSO READ: Jennifer Hudson: "Anyone would assume that Aretha Franklin had it made"
Main image credit: YouTube/ The Jennifer Hudson Show