Though Aretha Franklin couldn’t be in attendance, a quintet of talented ladies opened the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards with a fitting tribute. Jennifer Hudson, Chrstina Aguilera, Florence + the Machine’s Florence Welch, Martina McBride, and Yolanda Adams kicked off the evening with a powerful tribute to the Queen of Soul.
The gals set off the performance with a group rendition of “Natural Woman,” with Christina taking first solo duties with a hearty cover of “Ain’t No Way.” Martina McBride tore the house down with “Until You Come Back to Me,” while Welch repped for the indie set with “Think.” Hudson demanded “Respect” and Adams took ‘em to church with “Spirit in the Dark,” while the girls all joined back in for the rowdy finishing number “Sisters Are Doin’ It for Themselves.”
Aretha appeared in a pre-recorded segment from her home in Detroit, where she thanked the performers and wished everyone good luck during the event.