Aretha Franklin’s Secret Feuds: The Six Singers She Could Never Fully Embrace

Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul, was a towering figure in music history, celebrated for her unmatched vocal talent and emotional depth. But behind the spotlight, Aretha carried a reputation for her guarded relationships with fellow artists.

While she never openly feuded with anyone, her cold glances, sharp statements, and calculated silences spoke louder than words. In her lifetime, there were six singers Aretha seemingly couldn’t fully embrace—each representing a different facet of her complex relationship with the music industry and its stars.

Dionne Warwick
The tension between Aretha Franklin and Dionne Warwick was no secret. It reached its peak during Whitney Houston’s funeral in 2012, when Dionne mistakenly referred to Aretha as Whitney’s godmother. Aretha, absent from the event due to health issues, responded years later, calling Dionne’s statement a “blatant lie.” This marked the end of any perceived camaraderie between the two.

Aretha’s re-recording of Dionne’s hit song *I Say a Little Prayer* in 1968 was seen by many as a quiet declaration of dominance—a way to prove her soulful depth surpassed Dionne’s polished elegance. Their relationship was a reflection of the competitive nature of black female artists in a time when the spotlight was limited, and every inch of ground had to be fought for.

Patti LaBelle
Aretha and Patti LaBelle, both gospel-rooted powerhouses, rarely crossed paths publicly, and when they did, the atmosphere was icy. At the 2014 BET Awards, a brief interaction—or lack thereof—sparked rumors of animosity. Patti extended her hand, but Aretha walked past without acknowledgment.

While Patti later described Aretha as “unpredictable,” insiders suggested their rivalry stemmed from their similarities. Both were fiercely independent divas who commanded the stage, and neither was willing to share the throne. Their mutual avoidance was less about direct conflict and more about preserving their individual legacies.

Diana Ross
The rivalry between Aretha Franklin and Diana Ross was rooted in their contrasting personas and careers. Diana, the glamorous Motown icon, was a polished product of the entertainment industry, while Aretha, the soulful church singer, embodied raw authenticity. Aretha reportedly declined invitations to events where Diana was present, and the two never collaborated despite their shared status as black female legends. The media’s constant comparisons between them only fueled the tension, with Aretha viewing Diana as a symbol of the industry’s favoritism toward polished, marketable stars.

Gladys Knight
Gladys Knight, known as the “Empress of Soul,” was another singer Aretha seemingly kept at a distance. Despite their shared gospel roots and mutual respect, Aretha’s cold demeanor toward Gladys at industry events hinted at an underlying tension. Rumors suggested Aretha felt threatened by Gladys’s likability and storytelling approach to music—a style that resonated deeply with audiences. Gladys, however, maintained a gracious attitude, stating, “She has her ways,” subtly acknowledging the complexities of their relationship.

Natalie Cole
Natalie Cole’s Grammy win for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance in 1976 marked the first time Aretha lost the award in eight consecutive years. The young Natalie, with her pop sensibilities and the legacy of her father, Nat King Cole, was hailed as the next Aretha Franklin—a comparison Aretha found deeply unsettling. While Natalie often expressed admiration for Aretha, the Queen of Soul remained indifferent, refusing to acknowledge her as a successor. Aretha’s silence toward Natalie lasted decades, reflecting her discomfort with the idea of being overshadowed.

Mariah Carey
Mariah Carey’s encounter with Aretha Franklin at a diva tribute event highlighted the generational gap between the two. Aretha’s cold gaze toward Mariah backstage was a subtle reminder of her disdain for the modern pop industry, which she viewed as overly polished and lacking soul. Aretha’s critique of younger artists like Mariah and Beyoncé often revolved around their focus on spectacle rather than raw emotion—a stark contrast to Aretha’s deeply spiritual approach to music.

The Legacy of Silence
Aretha Franklin’s guarded relationships with these artists weren’t rooted in hatred but in her fierce protection of her legacy. As a black woman who fought to be heard in a world that often tried to silence her, Aretha understood the price of success.

Her coldness was not pettiness but a reflection of the wounds inflicted by an industry that constantly measured and compared her to others. Aretha didn’t need to shout or argue; her silence was her statement, and it echoed louder than any words.

What are your thoughts on Aretha Franklin’s complex relationships with her peers? Let us know in the comments!