Taylor Swift Honors the Late, Taylor Swift-Shading Aretha Franklin
Great gowns, beautiful tribute — Taylor Swift took a moment to honor the late Aretha Franklin, who famously shaded Swift during an interview four years ago, during Swift's concert in Franklin's home city, Detroit.
Franklin, who died earlier this month, earned a moment of silence at the August 28 show from Swift, who sang the Queen of Soul's praises.
“Last week we lost an irreplaceable force. Aretha Franklin did so much for music, she did so much for women’s rights, she did so much for civil rights,” Swift said. “She was one of those people where no matter what you said, no matter what glowing positive thing you said about her, it would be an understatement. Words could never, ever describe how many things she did in her lifetime that made our world a better place. And this is her home."
Swift proceeded to ask her fans to honor the icon accordingly.
“I would like it if we could have a moment of silence so that every single one of us could reflect on our love and respect for her and everything that she did in her life. So if we could please cut the lights, we’ll have a moment of silence for Aretha,” she said. “We love you Aretha.”
There's of course a bit of irony in the tribute as Franklin notoriously dismissed Swift during a 2014 interview with The Wall Street Journal. When the outlet asked Franklin her opinion of Swift's artistry, she only replied: "Great gowns, beautiful gowns."
Franklin of pancreatic cancer on August 16. She was 76.