Aretha Franklin’s Granddaughter, Age 15, Auditions For ‘American Idol’ — Watch

In what might be one of the biggest audition shockers in American Idol history, fifteen-year-old hopeful Grace Franklin walked out before the judges and revealed that she is the granddaughter of the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin.

Lionel Richie, who knew Aretha Franklin, was overjoyed to share stories with the teen before her performance and later called himself “Uncle Richie” as he offered advice.

More from Deadline

• Aretha Franklin Dies: The Queen Of Soul & Cultural Icon Was 76

• 'American Idol' Season 20 Premiere Sings Up Primetime Win On Sunday; '60 Minutes' Clocks More Than 8M Viewers

• 'Respect': Read The Screenplay For Aretha Franklin Biopic That Explores How She Became The Queen Of Soul

After an initial attempt with a rendition of “Killing Me Softly” that judge Luke Bryan called “a little sleepy,” Katy Perry asked Franklin if she had anything else she could sing.

That turned out to be one of her legendary grandmother’s classic tunes, “Ain’t No Way.”

The clip also features the 15-year-old recalling her relationship with her grandmother.

“I don’t think I could fully grasp the fact that she was famous worldwide,” she said. “Because to me she was always grandma…I was really close to my grandma. I got to see her all the time. I got to travel with her a lot.”

Aretha Franklin died at age 76 in 2018.

Best of Deadline

• Cancellations/Renewals Scorecard: TV Shows Ended Or Continuing In 2021-22 Season

• What's New On HBO Max For January 2022: Day-By-Day Listings For TV Shows & Movies

• New On Prime Video For January 2022: Daily Listings For Streaming TV, Movies & More

Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Click here to read the full article.