Aretha Franklin Disses Kathie Lee Gifford Over Lack of Research

You know….D-U-M-B-E-L-L = Kathie Lee Who?

Who's Aretha Franklin?

Its ok they don't know who Kathy Lee is anyway…

Aretha Franklin is music. Anyone with 1/10th of a brain knows who she is and can probably quote lyrics from her songs without even thinking about it. Kathy Lee Gifford is nothing. She's irrelevant and needs to just go away.

Aretha Franklin is music. Anyone with 1/10th of a brain knows who she is and can probably quote lyrics from her songs without even thinking about it. Kathy Lee Gifford is nothing. She's irrelevant and needs to just go away.

Gifford is spot-on, for once!

Gifford is on tv everyday. Franklin??? Well?

Good job Cathy Lee, another Martin Short moment.

Kathie Lee Gifford has the brains of a pissant!

Well what. Your point is…A cruise ship singer and a talk sho host. As stated above "she's irrelevant".

millbot, are you an idiot

Kathie Lee just gushed to Martin Short about his successful marriage a few months back, even though his wife had passed away a while before. Aretha is right. She really should do her research. She might want to start by re-watching Obama's inauguration. A few kids probably watched that.

Haven`t you seen those kids on American Idol? They sing her songs all The Time on the show! It`s only natural that she would want to do the show. Let`s call it "The Mama Hen Comes Home To Roost." I would watch!

kathy's a parrot…

How dare you dis the queen of soul Kathy Lee! You go Aretha!

General Hospital fans would recall her song "Pink Cadilac" playing to Luke and Lucky with Foster driving, oh so cool, in his pink cadilac!

Kathie Lee better "Think" before she speaks!

She's on TV everyday, being super annoying. Aretha Franklin is a living Legend… Kathy is a nobody.

kathie lee is a dumb ass.

I have little respect for Kathie Lee. Never have. Always thought she was kind of an airhead. Aretha, on the other hand, I have all the R E S P E C T in the world for her and her music. Her music catalog is legendary. As usual, Kathie Lee.
doesn't know what she's talking about. Just look how many singers cover Aretha's songs on American Idol. Her music is timeless. Any singer in the R&B and Soul genre got their chops listening to Aretha!

I think it's so cool that the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, wants to host American Idol. Just one question: Who is this Kathie Lee Giford?

Considering there are apparently kids today who don't know or care who the BEATLES are, it wouldn't be surprising if they didn't know who Aretha is. Which really is pretty damn sad. It's nothing personal against Aretha at all, because she damn well earned her status as a legend, but since the meat of the music/reality TV industry today panders to a very young tween crowd (Idol included, in recent years)… well, KLG could have phrased it better, but she was right.

Young, ignorant kids who make up the bulk of the Idol audience/voters will probably just say stuff like "lol that old woman who is she anyway, she hasn't had a hit recently lololol". Besides, Aretha really knows her stuff, and we all know Idol tries its damnedest to avoid casting judges who actually have half a clue about anything.

(I know I'll get talked down because I played devil's advocate, articulated my thoughts well in the process, and I'll probably get people ineffectively arguing by quoting Aretha songs at me and thinking they're clever little urchins – but I can comfortably sit back and know I made my argument perfectly. Your move, friends.)

(P.S., just because YOU'RE young and YOU know about Aretha doesn't mean every young person was. Don't forget, personal experience never makes you the majority or the minority by merit.)

(Also, no, bringing up where I work and what I do doesn't make your argument effective, nor does it make my argument invalid. Just figured I'd mention it in advance, since people seem to think it's some kind of legitimate tactic.)

millbot,are you brain dead?

How many songs have idol kids done a cover of an Aretha song??? A crap load. Where you work and what you do??? Nobody cares. Your very incorrect statement says enough.

Oh, right, the voters really care who sings the songs they cover. And considering I've had people respond to me before by disagreeing and pointing out my job as a reason I'm somehow incorrect, well, obviously people care. Your ignorant, moronic, and frankly very garbled statement says enough, kid.

Psst, the viewing audience does tend to care about how hot they find the singer, little else. Who the judges are? Irrelevant. What they have to say? Irrelevant. Unless you can find another reason why all the past five winners in a row have all been a bunch of pretty guys – adding Aretha to the panel would most likely not change that, because she isn't their eye candy, she's not frequently mentioned in popular news, and therefore, the kiddies have no reason to want to pay attention to her. Kids are fickle. It's a fact. Ooh, look, put you in YOUR place, didn't I? Tough luck, kid.

Aretha Franklin was a superstar 40 years ago. I don't think today's kids who love Justin Beber, Katie Perry and the like have NO clue who Franklin is. To some degree Lee is right.

kathie lee is a fucking dipshit! EVERYONE KNOWS ARETHA FRANKLIN!

godd one! lol!

spelling; good one! lol!

I have to agree with Kathie Lee. There are a lot of kids out there that don't know who Aretha Franklin is and a lot of kids that can't tell time on a clock with hands.. Welcome to the next generation..who here knows who Scot Joplin is..show of hands without help from Google..Okay.. I rest my case..

I see your point but Steven Tyler isn't exactly a fresh face either. Besides, no one had a clue who Simon Cowell was when Idol started, and if you weren't a diehard Journey fan, such as myself, Randy Jackson skipped your radar too. This is how they well learn. Kids also don't know how to drive until someone teaches them, so here's our chance. Oh, and seriously, Scott Joplin? Aretha is very much alive; Joplin has been dead for a hundred years.

Aretha needs to eat some pizza. Perhaps she can have a double cheese too! Who the hell really cares what Kathy Lee says?

aretha said in 1975 after being presented her grammy from david bowie, this is so good I can kiss david bowie, supposedly bowie came home annd broke all her records. I think aretha can be a great asset to idol, she have the experience and longevity to give fantastic advise to young singers looking to do what both love most, singing.

Good old Kathie Lee Gifford…She should belong to "The Gang Who Couldn't Shoot Straight" That woman is forever putting her foot in her mouth and sounds like a real jack-ass. How could Aretha Franklin ever be irrelevant as n Idol judge? Who the hell ever heard of Randy Jackson or Simon Cowell and how was Paula Abdul in any way relevant for that matter? Any singer alive who doesn't know Aretha Franklin doesn't belong on American Idol and must have been living under a rock for the last 45 years…which is where I wish Kathie Lee would go!

Aretha is right in responding. It's her opinion, everyone knows who Aretha is music is ageless. If you love music you will know, she is a part of history. Kathie-Lee is wrong.

Ask 10 kids off the street they would have no clue. Ask 10 kids off the streets of Harlem, 1 might get it right. the other 9 would say ben franklins wife.

Of course she was right to state the FACTS, because apparently whoever Kathie Lee FLOPHARD has been listening to has not shown the true essence of Aretha and that is EVERYONE knows who she is, and if they don't they would get to know who she is in a hurry if she ever took the stage.

Of course she was right to state the FACTS, because apparently whoever Kathie Lee FLOPHARD has been listening to has not shown the true essence of Aretha and that is EVERYONE knows who she is, and if they don't they would get to know who she is in a hurry if she ever took the stage.

Love A.F, but this show jumped the shark when Steven Tyler came on as a judge…this is even further proof that the entire show is irrelevant, not just this decision (if they hire her).

Kathie Lee is half Drunk all the time anyways.

Aretha was a giant, now she is just GIANT!

They should replace Gifford with Ann Currie.

I NEVER, EVER LIKED KATHIE LEE……

I could take Kathie Lee or leave her……she seems nice but sumthings not right……However Aretha I don't like mainly cuz she wears fur & doesn't care(just like Beyonce orJ-LO)…that's shows a cruel heart…..She blew off Whitneys memorial but did a concert elsewhere same night & I think shes overrated…..she screams basically like Christina & Mariah…..Whitney didn't scream…..give me her old cds to listen to anyday……i know she had demons but hey we all do………..

Aretha is timeless! She's amazing and American Idol would be extremely lucky to have her. The only problem I can see is people being star struck… I know I would be. Kathy Lee needs to learn when to just shut up.

So maybe Kathie Lee had a little too much wine that day and her tongue twisted away from her brain? Aretha – the Queen of Soul — is loved by her fans from the ages of 8 – 90 (as she says and I agree). Aretha has been singing for over 50 years. I wonder what will be remembered of Kathie Lee Gifford in 50+ years except maybe "Who was Kathie Lee Gifford?".

TJ,do you submit post on here just so you can read them.You have no clue what you are talking about.What passes for music currently is horrible.Kids today are fickle and they listen to garbage.Most of the TV shows today are idiotic,including idol.At least a generation ago you couldn't get a recording contract unless you had talent.The Beatles were great songwriters and singers and Aretha was a great singer.If parents today raise their children and don't educate them about older music then they are missing the boat.

Everyone knows….You don't mess with the Queen! She has earned her respect!

Sterling, but I think that's his point. I agree, "music" today is awful. No one can actually sing anymore, let alone write their own lyrics. Autotune lip syncing and mixing have taken over to hide those voices (which is why even when Taylor Swift sings live, which is rare, she sounds way off). However, as big of an Aretha fan as I am, what Kathie Lee said was true. Teens and 20 year-olds by and large don't resonate with someone like Aretha. Sure, they know RESPECT. Who doesn't? Do they know any more of her songs?

To Woody, in fairness, an Aretha song gets covered on AI usually because it's Motown Night or Soul Night, etc… Not because they wanted to cover Aretha Franklin. HUGE difference.

I can't stand Kathie Lee gifford, she has a big mouth, she is like 70 married to a 95 year old…yucccck! Everyone knows who Aretha franklin is, kathie Lee is just plain STUPID, look what she did to Martin Short, talking to hiim about his wife like she was still alive, nowwwwww that's plain stupid just plain stupid and they still have her on that show.

Aretha rocks! What is Kathie Lee known for?

Aretha rocks! What is Kathie Lee known for?

I believe Kathy Lee does not have a clue about music….she really does not know what she is talking about. If she was musically saavy, she would only have praise for Aretha being a judge on AI……..

Aretha needs to go to a stylist and a fat farm..She's disgusting. What the hell could she POSSIBLY bring to AI? Donuts?

A cruise ship singer you really don/t know who you are talking about

"GOOGLE HER!"

I agree! $#@! Kathy Lee. What well researched host would ask a man a question about his deceased wife in the present?? "THE QUEEN of SOUL" don't play!! She will check you "real quick!"

Aretha Franklin is a musical icon who has stayed relevant for many years. Kathy Lee is, of course, entitled to her opinion, but it would be refreshing sometimes if she would censor herself. I'd love to see Aretha as an Idol judge. What a coup for that franchise.

Although I'm an Aretha fan, I must agree with Kathy on this one. Since I read this article a few minutes ago, I asked my 17 year old daughter (who is a music fan) who Aretha was and she said that she had never heard of her. THen I went upstairs and asked my 22 year old son who she was and he said that he's never heard her music but he has heard her name. He thought that she was a singer who died back in the 60's or 70's……….I believe that Aretha would make a great judge but they also need to get a judge who would appeal to younger ages.

jeff YOU HAVE FAILED !!!!1 to teach your own children this ????

Kathie Lee is such a ditz.

Aretha was not offended….She just totally put Kathy in check…She`s right, 3 year olds know Aretha.. Starting with my grandchildren… To make a remark like that smells like envy is behind Kathy Lee`s remark.

Kathie Lee is irrelevant.

Personally, I believe that these "hack" celebrities (Kathy Lee) are clinging desperately to relevance and must make these ridiculous statements to stay in the news. Her morning show is one of the saddest most inane commentaries on our "desperate for entertainment society" ever created. Then really, why does anyone care about Kathy Lee's assessment in the matter. I know I don't. As to Aretha and Idol, while no Paula Abdul (LOL) she would be brilliant, I am certain.

just because you're on tv don't mean people know who you are. lolol Kathie Lee Gifford has always been annoying and I mean Like Tammy Faye Baker annoying!

i still think "sweat shop." and "that annoying, screechy woman" and "IDFC about Cody!!!!!!"

The Queen of Soul….. fantastic choice, if it happens. Nobody can question Aretha….. I know a good judging team, Aretha and Patti Lubelle…… It would give the show a good vibe…

The Queen of Soul….. fantastic choice, if it happens. Nobody can question Aretha….. I know a good judging team, Aretha and Patti Lubelle…… It would give the show a good vibe…

I love ya La!!! The Queen of Soul is a true icon….Fat or thin. She has earned a place in music history. She is a true diva that would make JLo shake in her cat suit! lol

True, true..good point..so let's pick someone more recent..Linda Ronstadt..she sung from concert halls to Sesame Street..let ask teens or even young adults in their twenties..if the know who she is..There is also Carly Simon, Carole King, and the list goes on..
My point is.. if you want a DIva and someone the youth are more in tune with.. go with Mary J Blidge or and for the 30 somethings..Patty Labelle, Gloria Estefan.. or Pat Benatar.

Kathie Lee has the legal and moral right to make a fool out of herself whenever she chooses. Makes great humor and laughs for the rest of us. She speaks about hundreds of people without research. I think we all understand what Kathie Lee is all about…. having fun! That is all it is…so let it be… we were the ones listening… right?

KATHIE LEE IS SUCH A SMUCK I HAVE NEVER LIKED HER SELF RIGHTIOUS ATTITUDE.

How Dare that drunkin Kathie lee and Jason Kennedy DisRespect the Queen Of Soul?

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Kathy Lee needs to learn some R.E.S.P.E.C.T.In a hundred years no one will remember Kathy, Aretha will be loved till the end of the world and beyond.

Gifford is an attention whore who relies on the strength of her husband's name. Ms. Franklin stands alone…a legend….and not in her own mind.

American Idol judges are there to judge the singers…..are they not? So, what has Aretha Franklin been doing for the majority of her life? Duh! What other qualificatins would someone need to judge vocals? Don't make rediculous comments regardless to where you work.

American Idol judges are there to judge the singers…..are they not? So, what has Aretha Franklin been doing for the majority of her life? Duh! What other qualifications would someone need to judge vocals? Don't make ridiculous comments regardless to where you work.

Kathy Gifford is talking out of her ass, as usual she can't stand near Areatha when it comes to talenT. Ella es una PENDEJA, TO MAKE SUCH A COMMENT.

I am a Natural Woman……………..

Of course Aretha has a right to be unset by the boozer, Kathie Lee. Kathie Lee is an expert on nothing except getting drunk.