Despite the fact viewership has consistently declined, “American Idol” is still giving young hopefuls their shot at singing stardom. One of this season’s frontrunners is a young teen named Malaya Watson and she performed the Aretha Franklin classic “Ain’t No Way.” The performance was so emotional, Jennifer Lopez was brought to tears. Watson even got a standing ovation.
While Watson deserves every bit of praise she received last night for her performance, it should be said that “Ain’t No Way” is a song that, if done right, will always garner the performer a standing ovation. Check out some of R&B’s best renditions of the Aretha Franklin classic.
Amber Riley
When she was still a cast member on the hit sitcom Glee,” Amber Riley was given the daunting task of performing the Queen of Soul’s song. Not only did Amber Riley take up the challenge, she rose to the occasion and stunned audiences. Not bad for a girl who was rejected from “American Idol” repeatedly.
Whitney Houston
Pop legend Whitney Houston had an unfair advantage with this song. Aretha Franklin is her godmother. You know they had to have spent time tickling the ivories and sanging this song. Once Whitney learned all she needed to learn from the master, she went ahead and began torching stages with the ballad herself.
