NEWSAretha Franklin to Kathie Lee Gifford: Do "Some Research" Before Talking About Me
Jul. 17 2012, Published 7:11 a.m. ET
Old school soul fans were thrilled when none other than Aretha Franklin possesed an interest in filling one of the Americon Idol judging seats last week.
OK! NEWS: ARETHA FRANKLIN WANTS TO JUDGE AMERICAN IDOL
Quick on the heels of Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez stepping down, Aretha reportedly sent an e-mail to CNN saying she would love to judge, but only if Patti LaBelle fills in the other vacancy.
This morning Kathie Lee Gifford, Hoda Kotb and E! News anchor, Jason Kennedy, were tossing around the headlines on their show and stumbled upon the Aretha/American Idol story.
Jason was concerned since Aretha doesn't fly, it might be tough to travel to so many cities, while Kathie Lee said Aretha isn't hip enough.
"If they are looking for a younger demographic, there are a lot of kids out there (who) actually don't know who Aretha Franklin is. It's sad, but they don't," she said.
Aretha hates her name being used in vain and shot off a quick e-mail to CNN setting the record straight.
OK! NEWS: AMERICAN IDOL EXITS — STEVEN TYLER & JENNIFER LOPEZ DUMPED OVER MONEY? RANDY JACKSON OUT?
"While I enjoy Kathie Lee and Hoda daily, her assessment is totally wrong!" she wrote. "I've been to California from Detroit four times this year and Florida. I go wherever I choose to go comfortably on my custom bus."
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"Further, my audience and fans span the age of 8 to 90! And are multi-ethnic, and I am very well known to young adults, tweens and teens," she continued. "Their parents play my music and I take care of my business whenever I sign on the dotted line! I'm surprised Kathie Lee did not research my worldwide celebrity audience! She's usually right on top of things with a great sense of humor, but she's totally wrong this time. She should research me before she speaks about me. I'm sure she thought she was right; still enjoy Hoda and Kathie Lee!"
Oh, and Fox take note. Aretha was sure to address the topic at hand and said if hired she would "enjoy" being a judge and would "kick it up a few notches and have a slammin', jammin' season."
