Photo: Getty Images
Celebrating the release of Respect at a premiere party, star musician and actress Jennifer Hudson prepared a special performance of "Ain't No Way" by Aretha Franklin. However, she made a last-minute change and handed the microphone to another talented vocalist, Grace Franklin. Honoring her grandmother's legacy, Grace stole the show with her velvet voice.
"In my family, in Heaven, the best way to honor their legacy is to do what you know they would love and, what they would want you to do,” Hudson said as she introduced her co-star.
“I think Aretha would love for her grandbabies to sing her stuff. So this is Grace, her grandbaby.”
Honored by the opportunity, Franklin thanked Hudson for inviting her up to perform. She also thanked her late grandmother for building the legacy that she did over the course of five decades.
“I’m so happy to be here. I’m just so happy for my grandma to be honored in such an amazing way,” Grace Franklin said as she stepped up to the microphone.
“I’m going to be singing ‘Ain’t No Way’ for y’all. This is my favorite song by my grandma. I hope y’all enjoy it."
Respect debuted in theaters on August 13. In its first weekend, it landed in the fourth spot at the box office with $8.8 million during its opening weekend. More importantly, it earned rave reviews from audiences. Cinemascore, an audience reaction tool, gave the film an "A" grade. Also, fans at Rotten Tomatoes gave the film a 93% rating.
Over the next few weeks, Respect will be joined by a number of high-profile Black films in theaters. Most recently, Nine Days starring Winston Duke and Zazie Beetz debuted in theaters. In the coming weeks, Candyman and The Tragedy of Macbeth starring Denzel Washington will hit theaters.
Get the latest news 24/7 on The Black Information Network. Listen now on the iHeartRadio app or click HERE to tune in live.