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Forget the Avengers, in 1998, one of the best supergroups ever came together for one night only: The Divas.
"VH1 Divas Live" premiered 20 years ago this October, where the late, great Aretha Franklin performed alongside fellow powerhouses Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, Gloria Estefan and Shania Twain.
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Celebrities React to Aretha Franklin's Death as Hollywood Honors the Queen of Soul
View StoryThe evening was filled with solo numbers, duets and a few wig-snatching group performances that will go down in history, ending with one epic rendition of Franklin's "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman" with the divas and singer-songwriter Carole King.
With Aretha's passing, all of the women involved in that amazing night have spoken out, sharing some of their favorite memories from the evening and about the icon herself. See each of their tributes below.
Franklin died on Thursday, at the age of 76, after a battle with pancreatic cancer. Her legacy, however, will live on in her music.
Mariah Carey
Aretha Franklin. The Queen of Soul. The Icon. The ultimate singers' singer. The greatest singer and musician of my lifetime. The power of your voice in music and in civil rights blew open the door for me and so many others. You were my inspiration, my mentor and my friend. pic.twitter.com/QD9pxvGLLh
@MariahCarey
You showed me I could sing the songs I wanted to sing and bring God with me. You've inspired millions everywhere yet never left home, never left church. Today the entire world mourns your home-going and celebrates all the brilliance you left behind. pic.twitter.com/Ek0yHdXcRF
@MariahCarey
I will forever cherish the moments I spent in your presence. Your indelible impact was earned not only by your incomparable voice but by your bigger than life personality, wit and humor. I say a BIG prayer for you. You will forever have all our RESPECT. Love, Mariah ♥️ pic.twitter.com/97qk0J64rO
@MariahCarey
Celine Dion
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I'm deeply saddened to learn that Aretha Franklin has passed. She was an unbelievable artist, who inspired me and millions of others. She was the most soulful and inspirational singer of our time... there will never be anyone like her. I had the great privilege of performing with Aretha... it was truly one of the greatest moments of my career. I send my prayers and condolences to her family and loved ones.
Gloria Estefan
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"For as long as I can remember, Aretha Franklin has been the absolute zenith, the guiding light, the master for any girl that aspired to sing or even just appreciated someone at the top of their game. I was blessed to have sung with her on more than one occasion and each time I felt that I was in the presence of musical royalty that would forever raise the bar and set the standard. Long live the Queen of Soul through her extraordinary & singular voice and her indelible music."
Shania Twain
An unbelievable woman and voice. It was an honor to meet and perform with the Queen of Soul. RIP Aretha Franklin ❤️💔https://t.co/BQBtdPuoZO
@ShaniaTwain
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Carole King also tweeted, writing, "What a life. What a legacy! So much love, respect, and gratitude."
VH1 would go on to honor Franklin with her own special, "VH1 Divas Live: The One And Only Aretha Franklin," in 2001. Performers at that event included Marc Anthony, Mary J. Blige, Backstreet Boys, Celia Cruz, Nelly Furtado, Jill Scott and Kid Rock.
