Aretha Franklin Wants Spot at IDOL's Judges Table

Aretha Franklin told CNN in an email yesterday that she would be interested in becoming a judge on next seaon's AMERICAN IDOL. The Queen of Soul has reportedly been a long-time fan of the show. The news comes just days after Idol judges Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez announced they would not be returning next season. 

Franklin, an 18-time Grammy Award winner who was named 'greatest female singer of all time' by Rolling Stone magazine, commented that she would like to bring her friend and fellow legendary recording artist Patti LaBelle with her as a judge on the show.

The 70-year-old singer is currently performing in Las Vegas. She would join a growing list of celebrities and musicians rumored to be under consideration for next year's judge's panel including former Idol contestant Adam Lambert, superstar Mariah Carey and Celine Dion. 

Photo credit: Walter McBride