Aretha Franklin’s Granddaughter Performs ‘Killing Me Softly’ & ‘Ain’t No Way’ During ‘American Idol’ Audition

Published: Tuesday 1st Mar 2022 by Ryan

Grace Franklin – the granddaughter of the late Aretha Franklin – is ready for her time to shine.

More details below…

Appearing on Sunday’s episode of ‘American Idol,’ Grace – who is 15 – performed the Lauryn Hill version of ‘Killing Me Softly,’ as well as her late grandmother’s song ‘Ain’t No Way.’

During her audition, Lionel Richie shared a fond memory of the late soul singer, saying:

“I don’t think I could fully grasp the fact that she was famous worldwide.”

While Grace did not make it through – she received two no’s from Richie and Luke Bryan – Richie did encourage her to come back after she had gotten over some of her shyness.

Watch her full audition below…

Your thoughts?

Posted under:

Comments 9

Please Post Your Comments & Reviews

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  1. Party in my Holes 🎉 March 1, 2022

    Future star! Normani, please take notes.

    • Dc March 1, 2022

      She sucks which is why she got sent home

  2. Danny Bey March 1, 2022

    Lionel’s critiques and advice were so on point and true, and you can tell they came from real love like an uncle. It’s not that she wasn’t talented but she needs a bit more development in regard to maturing vocally and in general. She’ll be back, if not Idol we’ll see her again! Best wishes to the young queen!

  3. Dionne Warwick March 1, 2022

    Aretha was a full blown protege at her age. I don’t hear anything special about her voice. Some things you can’t just “develop” and that’s no shade. Beautiful gowns though!

    • Danny Bey March 1, 2022

      That’s Aretha. She is not. Not everyone’s journey is the same. Some are great when they’re young, some take time to develop. Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston were great when they started as children. Beyoncé needed some time to come into her own while still having the talent and potential. Same with Janet. It’s all relative so there’s no need to set her up just because of her last name.

      • Dionne Warwick March 1, 2022

        Exactly. She’s no Aretha. Basic vocals. She seems like an intelligent girl. Maybe she can go into the business side of music.

    • T March 1, 2022

      shut up madona britney and a lot of others were not singers like Aretha but they sold more records than her if you want to become a singer you dont have the strogest vocalist

  4. Slim March 1, 2022

    Good I thought they was gonna pass her just because. Lionel knows the snakes in the industry and think he’s tryna protect her . They love them young. I don’t think Aretha woulda let her audition because she knows the dirt well. She woulda protected her. Wonder why these celebrities keep the dirt from their family or do they know and see this lil girl as a meal ticket ?

  5. Vbaby March 1, 2022

    She has a ton of talent and you can hear it but she HAS to get passed that shyness and let it rip. You HEAR it

Recommended Posts
..**