Kelly Clarkson, Adam Lambert and More Share Aretha Franklin Tributes

The Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin died on Thursday (August 16) at 76 of pancreatic cancer.

The legendary singer influenced artists across the decades and from all genres of pop music. Since we cover competition reality shows, here’s a compilation of tributes from singing show stars–everyone from Kelly Clarkson, to Jennifer Hudson to Adam Lambert. Aretha Franklin classics have been covered over and over again on these shows.

And Aretha herself performed on the American Idol season 12 finale and also served as a mentor on American Idol 14, which contestants from that season fondly recall. Rest in peace, Aretha.

Fantasia – American Idol season 3 winner

This woman played a BIG part in my life. She played a genuine role in my life similar to how my Grandmother was very dear to me. I’ll never forget the talks we shared together. Auntie, kill the choir up there in Heaven & know that your Music will last forever. #Iconic ? pic.twitter.com/UXAw9PCQ8H

— Fantasia Taylor (@TasiasWord) August 17, 2018

Carrie Underwood – American Idol season 4 winner

This world needs women who are strong, independent, smart, talented, and fierce. That said, we lost one today. Even though we say “goodbye” to a legend, her legacy will live on and she will forever have our love and #RESPECT. Sing with angels, Aretha.

— Carrie Underwood (@carrieunderwood) August 17, 2018

Jennifer Hudson – American Idol season 3 (The Voice coach – 13 and 15)

https://www.instagram.com/p/BmjHXgAgIPN/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Kelly Clarkson American Idol season 1 winner – The Voice coach season 14 & 15.

Aretha Franklin is the reason why I sing from that part deep inside of me that few could ever reach. She was my favorite and will always be. What a gift she has left all of us with her musical footprints. There will never be another like her. She was truly special. #QueenOfSoul

— Kelly Clarkson (@kellyclarkson) August 16, 2018

Brynn Cartelli – The Voice season 14 winner (Kelly Clarkson’s team)

Rest in paradise, Queen Aretha. ??? pic.twitter.com/uYUbndqqEb

— Brynn (@BrynnCartelli) August 16, 2018

Adam Lambert – American Idol season 8

I listened to every recording of @ArethaFranklin ‘s THINK when I was asked to do this version… was a masterclass studying her vocal magic. whenever I’m struggling to catch the spirit, to really FEEL a song, listening to her flips that switch. https://t.co/tgb4STP7SE

— ADAM LAMBERT (@adamlambert) August 16, 2018

Chris Blue – The Voice season 12 winner

We ** @mrtalkbox and I ** had to stop our session to show our #Respect to @arethasings !! forever #queenofsoul #naturalwoman #riparethafranklin #chrisbluelive #mrtalkbox pic.twitter.com/yq00y1iKHo

— Chris Blue (@Chrisbluelive) August 17, 2018

Keisha Renee – The Voice season 13

One of the reasons I sing!! Such tone, Delivery and what a Voice. This Queen set such a standard that I as an artist still hold on too! I refuse to let it die???? Rest Well ? @ Burbank,… https://t.co/2kgxIo2zxz

— Keisha Renee (@keisharenee) August 17, 2018

Michael J. Woodard – American Idol season 16

I LOVE YOU ARETHA

— MIZZY (@MichaelJWoodard) August 16, 2018

Gabby Barrett – American Idol season 16

RIP Aretha Franklin. You paved the road for many ?? https://t.co/4RvLN6BKpj

— Gabby Barrett (@GabbyBarrett_) August 16, 2018

Catie Turner – American Idol season 16

i really just want to thank aretha franklin for even just existing – her music, and the impact she had on music in general, touched so many people around the world. rest easy

— catie turner (@hashtagcatie) August 16, 2018

David Archuleta – American Idol season 7

Wow… farewell #QueenOfSoul. Your songs and voice have forever changed the course of music and singers. #riparetha pic.twitter.com/iK1FsBEv7z

— David Archuleta (@DavidArchie) August 16, 2018

Britton Buchanan – The Voice season 14

Rest easy, Queen. Your voice shook the world to its core, broke boundaries, and showed us what true soul is. Thank you for all that you’ve given us and thank you for all the joy your music will continue to enrich us with forever. Fly high. pic.twitter.com/gHKLsXcPL1

— Britton Buchanan (@BrittonBuchanan) August 16, 2018

Cassadee Pope – The Voice season 3 winner

So sad to hear about Aretha Franklin. She represented strength and empowerment… not to mention that voice. If you’re a vocalist, no matter which genre, you look up to that voice. #RipArethaFranklin ?

— Cassadee Pope (@CassadeePope) August 16, 2018

Meghan Linsey – The Voice season 8

Had to come by a pay my respects ?? pic.twitter.com/FmjN4R5wgo

— Meghan Linsey (@meghanlinsey) August 16, 2018

Trent Harmon – American Idol season 15 winner

Motorcycle in d-town #NASH just drove past me blaring ‘R-E-S-P-E-C-T.’………#RestInPeace , #ArethaFranklin . One of the Greatest Voices in Music.. EVER. Period!!!! ?

x pic.twitter.com/NZYP0UJWM1

— Trent Harmon (@trentharmon) August 17, 2018

Chloe Kohanski – The Voice season 13 winner

https://twitter.com/ChloeKohanski/status/1030219537604648960

Billy Gilman – The Voice season 11

RIP to the Queen of Soul. @ArethaFranklin – Everytime I hear a big thunder clap, I know that is you belting with the angels.

— Billy Gilman (@BillyGilman) August 16, 2018

Adam Wakefield – The Voice season 10

“Bridge Over Troubled Water” from Aretha Franklin Live at The Fillmore West. This song was my first class in Gospel Music 101. I was obsessed with this record & remember learning Aretha’s piano part and Billy Preston’s organ parts note for note. #arethafranklin #rip @FillmoreSF pic.twitter.com/aLwP9TW67J

— Adam Wakefield (@adamwakefield) August 16, 2018

Lauren Duski – The Voice season 12

She fed every bit of the soul. Thank you for REAL music to carry on. You will continue to inspire us all. Rest In Peace, our Queen ? pic.twitter.com/2N3Ww7moRe

— Lauren Duski (@LaurenDuski) August 16, 2018

Rayvon Owen – American Idol season 14

Backstage before Idol, I felt lucky to hear Aretha sing so intimately; even during rehearsal, her passion and soul were like no other. It was a privilege to be mentored by her, and she will be missed by me, the music community, and the entire world.

Rest In Peace, Queen Aretha. pic.twitter.com/I5fZwAwN7W

— Rayvon Owen (@RayvonOwen) August 17, 2018

JAX – Season 14

https://twitter.com/Jax/status/1030121269016977408

Candice Glover – Season 12 winner

I will cherish this moment forever. Ms Aretha Franklin your music has inspired me so much in my career. I sing all your songs at my shows and i will continue to do so forever! Rest In Peace to the Queen of Soul ? We Love you ?? pic.twitter.com/JEFX1lfcA4

— Candice Glover (@CandiceGlover) August 17, 2018

Sasha Allen – The Voice season 4

Proud to sing your music!!! What an inspiration!!! QUEEN ARETHA!!!! RIP SWEET ANGEL! https://t.co/p7ZpcAcMQW

— Sasha Allen (@SashaAllenMusic) August 16, 2018

Crystal Bowersox – American Idol season 9

https://www.instagram.com/p/BmjqbAehsCL/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Scotty McCreery – American Idol season 10 winner

RIP Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul. A woman with an incredible God-given voice who shared it with the world, and we were lucky to have her while we did. She paved the way for every entertainer who came after her. May she rest in peace.

— Scotty McCreery (@ScottyMcCreery) August 16, 2018

Phillip Phillips – American Idol season 11 winner

https://www.instagram.com/p/BmjZhgygDer/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Brooke Simpson – The Voice season 13

love you Aretha ? pic.twitter.com/I1lkuhcAz8

— Brooke Simpson (@brookesimpson) August 16, 2018

Wé McDonald – The Voice season 11

My heart hurts.?? the queen of soul has transitioned. I’m happy she’s not hurting anymore but these legends are leaving us too fast. I love you Aretha Franklin?

— Wé Ani (@we_mcdonald) August 16, 2018

Vonzell Solomon – American Idol season 4

Love me some you! Thank you for all that you have given us?? Rest Well Queen Aretha??? #Legend #ArethaFranklin ? pic.twitter.com/zM5BZy2d4s

— Vonzell Solomon (@VonzellSolomon) August 16, 2018

Nakia – The Voice season 1

There will never be another. Thank you Aretha. ????? pic.twitter.com/yYLrSZ0vtl

— Nakia (@Nakia) August 16, 2018

Kyla Jade – The Voice season 14

Queen, I thank you – A little black girl https://t.co/BzCpJhHroj

— Kyla Jade (@kylasings) August 16, 2018

Katharine McPhee – American Idol season 5

https://twitter.com/katharinemcphee/status/1030149930101497856

Katie Stevens – American Idol season 9

I grew up belting all her songs, wishing I could have an ounce of her vocal soul, and watching videos in awe of her artistry. She was the definition of an icon. Heaven got a Queen today. Rest peacefully, you’ll live on forever ? #ArethaFranklin pic.twitter.com/D9OhcgBlU0

— Katie Stevens (@thekatiestevens) August 16, 2018

Pia Toscano – American Idol season 10

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bmi6XnAlOhH/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Kimberley Locke – American Idol season 2

arethasings Thank you for giving all of yourself in every note and every word that you delivered. I am eternally appreciative of all that you fed into my life as a singer. Your voice,… https://t.co/IIiosgiRhG

— Kimberley Locke (@KimberleyLocke) August 16, 2018

Paris Bennett – American Idol season 5

?Thank You for paving the way…. Rest in Paradise Queen ?? #QueenofSoul https://t.co/QLwjE6ecW7

— Paris Bennett (@ParisBennett) August 16, 2018

Caleb Johnson – American Idol season 13 winner

Heavens choir just gained a powerhouse ?????? RIP #ArethaFranklin https://t.co/2DTgM6bX8V

— Caleb Perry Johnson (@CalebJohnson) August 16, 2018

Jessica Meuse – American Idol season 13

Another amazing voice has transitioned out of this world. Rest In Peace, @ArethaFranklin. ???

— Jessica Meuse (@JessMeuse) August 16, 2018

Diana DeGarmo – American Idol season 3

Long Live the Queen of Soul!
Rest in Power Ms. Aretha Franklin. You made this world a better place and I know you will continue sharing your gifts on the other side. pic.twitter.com/3TYLCD7NU5

— Diana DeGarmo Young (@DianaDeGarmo) August 16, 2018

Jeffery Austin – The Voice season 9