Kathie Lee Gives a Little RESPECT, and Apology, to Aretha Franklin

By Chris Ariens 

Aretha Franklin says she’d be a good judge on “American Idol,” despite what Kathie Lee Gifford thinks.

On Tuesday’s FHOT, Gifford suggested Franklin is too old to judge the FOX singing competition.

“If they are looking for a younger demographic, there are a lot of kids out there (who) actually don’t know who Aretha Franklin is. It’s sad, but they don’t,” Gifford said.

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In an email sent to CNN’s Roland Martin, the Queen of Soul demanded a little R-E-S-P-E-C-T, and research.

While I enjoy Kathie Lee and Hoda daily, her assessment is totally wrong! I’m surprised Kathie Lee did not research my worldwide celebrity audience! She’s usually right on top of things with a great sense of humor, but she’s totally wrong this time. She should research me before she speaks about me. I’m sure she thought she was right; still enjoy Hoda and Kathie Lee!

So this morning Kathie Lee apologized and clarified, “There is nobody in the world like her. My point was there is a whole generation of kids, some kids don’t know who Barbara Streisand is, who Frank Sinatra is…”

“She’s still mad at you,” added Hoda Kotb.

The lesson here: next time Kathie Lee, “You better THINK!”

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