Subscribe
Hellobeautiful Featured Video
CLOSE

Aretha Franklin celebrated her 72nd birthday with a handful of her famous friends in New York City last night. The “Respect” songstress held an intimate gathering at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel with special guests Denzel Washington and Clive Davis by her side.

When asked what she wants for her birthday (officially on March 25), Franklin shared that she’s in a giving spirit this year. “I’m looking for a record deal for my granddaughter Victorie, and my son Kecalf,” she told the Associated Press. “I would be happy with that.” You may recall the young performers took center stage at the BET Honors to tribute their grandmother last month.

MUST READ: Aretha Franklin Forgives President Obama For Flubbing Of Her Famous Lyric

The Queen of Soul also revealed that she’s been in the studio working on new music with a few heavyweight producers. “Babyface is working on the tracks,” she said of the famed artist, who is currently guest starring with Toni Braxton in the Broadway musical “After Midnight.” “So, I’m just waiting for him to finish that so he can finish my tracks please.”

“And I think Andre 2000 — is it two or three? 3000 is going to be doing some of the tracks with him,” she added.

MUST READ: Aretha Franklin, Janelle Monae & More Tapped For White House ‘Women Of Soul’ Concert

Franklin went on to say that her recent performance at the White House — along with Patti LaBelle, Jill Scott and Janelle Monae — was one of the highlights of her year.

“What a shoutin’ good time we had,” she exclaimed. “The White House is still rocking right now!”

RELATED STORIES

2014 BET Honors Highlights: Jennifer Hudson Leaves Us Awestruck, Mariah Carey & Tamar Braxton Perform & More!

Aretha Franklin Wants To Cover Beyonce’s ‘Bootylicious’ & The Beyhive Isn’t Having It

Check Out This Gallery

The grand return of the Melanin Awards amplifies and honors the finest Black-owned beauty brands with honest reviews, and discusses the evolution of beauty in Hip-Hop culture.