Mert & MarcusTaylor Swift paid tribute to Aretha Franklin at her concert in Detroit – the Queen of Soul’s hometown — Tuesday night.
“Last week we lost an irreplaceable force. Aretha Franklin did so much for music, she did so much for women’s rights, she did so much for civil rights,” Taylor told the crowd in a video captured by fans.
She added, “She was one of those people where, no matter what you said, no matter what glowing positive thing you said about her, it would be an understatement. Words could never, ever describe how many things she did in her lifetime that made our world a better place. And this is her home.”
Taylor then led the crowd in a moment of silence for the legend, who passed away August 16 at age 76.
“I would like it if we could have a moment of silence so that every single one of us could reflect on our love and respect for her and everything that she did in her life,” she said. “So if we could please cut the lights, we’ll have a moment of silence for Aretha.”
Though there were rumors that Aretha once shaded Taylor in an interview, she did sing “Happy Birthday” to Taylor at a Billboard Women in Music event in 2014.
Aretha’s private funeral, which will feature performances from the likes of Stevie Wonder and Jennifer Hudson, is set to take place in Detroit on Friday.
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