Eurovision stars pay tribute to Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul, in emotional social media posts

Aretha Franklin — the Queen of Soul and one of the world’s most iconic singers — has died aged 76.

Over five decades she had more than 100 singles on the Billboard charts, blazing a trail for African-American artists and helping make soul music something of a global language.

“Respect” was her most famous song and it was about a lot more than pop music. Yes, it talked about romantic dramas and relationships, but it was also a call for upholding human dignity more generally.

Writing in her autobiography, she said: “It was the need of the nation, the need of the average man and woman in the street, the businessman, the mother, the fireman, the teacher — everyone wanted respect.”

Her other tracks, including “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman”, “Chain of Fools” and “Do Right Woman — Do Right Man” all helped paint the image of strong and sensual women standing on their own and overcoming their challenges.

It’s no wonder countless stars from the world of Eurovision — including Dami Im, Destiny Chukunyere and Cesar Sampson — have cited her as inspiration. We join them in remembering Aretha and saying a little prayer for her family and friends.

Netta Barzilai — Israel 2018

When I was 12, I used to skip back and forth in our house with a little Walkman my father bought me while listening to the radio. For a moment the broadcaster mumbled something in English and then he also played a remix to some song I had never heard before, and I just froze. pic.twitter.com/iYydsvS2CW

— Netta Barzilai (@NettaBarzilai) August 16, 2018

Celine Dion — Switzerland 1988

I'm saddened to learn that Aretha Franklin has passed.The most soulful and inspirational singer of our time. / Je suis attristée d'apprendre le décès d’Aretha Franklin. La chanteuse la plus inspirante de notre époque. – Céline xx…
? : Kevin Mazur https://t.co/3Tz7G2W205 pic.twitter.com/Q5DtmJ1IVa

— Celine Dion (@celinedion) August 16, 2018

Waylon — The Netherlands 2018 and 2016

And now we have to miss you! Try to imagine what we would’ve missed without her… RIP Queen. #ArethaFranklin arethasings Thank you so much❤️ https://t.co/a6cCY64WgB

— Waylon (@waylonline) August 16, 2018

Alfred Garcia — Spain 2018

Gracias a la energía de este universo por traernos la salvación de #ArethaFranklin. Su música nos inspiró y su estudio vocal nos ha servido a tantos como modelo a seguir… Se va dejando una parte de ella en todos nosotros. Historia de la música y de los derechos humanos.

— Alfred García (@alfredgarcia) August 16, 2018

Ira Losco — Malta 2016 and 2002

Just 2 days before my concert celebrating 'Women in Music' , A LEGEND IN MUSIC passes away. Aretha you were, you are and you will always be one of the Greats IF NOT the Greatest of all. Your legacy will live forever

A post shared by Ira Losco (@iralosco) on Aug 16, 2018 at 9:20am PDT

Yianna Terzi — Greece 2018

All I’m asking, is for a little RESPECT. Thank you Aretha! Legends don’t die ??

A post shared by Yianna Terzi (@yiannaterzi) on Aug 16, 2018 at 7:45am PDT

Lindita — Albania 2017

Oh Beautiful miss Aretha! Heaven gained another angel to sing for them like only you could ????I know there is a big welcome party up there for you ! ?? Rest in Heaven! We will miss you as we celebrate… https://t.co/IhHpmRF9Gq

— LINDITA (@LinditaWorld) August 16, 2018

HOVIG — Cyprus 2016

Rest in peace.. Thank you for all the music. #ArethaFranklin https://t.co/WjxiESkV4W

— HOVIG (@hovigmusic) August 16, 2018

Aleksander Wallmann — Norway 2017

Thank you for the music Aretha ?? #Queenofsoul

A post shared by Aleksander Walmann (@aleksanderwalmann) on Aug 16, 2018 at 8:42am PDT

Edurne — Spain 2015

? Bye #ArethaFranklin #Respect pic.twitter.com/Oroy15f8L9

— Edurne (@Edurnity) August 16, 2018

Guy Sebastian — Australia 2015

I’d struggle to find a singer out there who hasn’t been influenced directly or indirectly by this incredible Lady. God Bless you Aretha I imagine you are sing with a choir of angels. #arethafranklin #RIParetha #thankyou

A post shared by guysebastian (@guysebastian) on Aug 16, 2018 at 9:04am PDT

Alex Larke — United Kingdom 2015

The very, very best has gone.

Sleep tight, Aretha.#ArethaFranklin pic.twitter.com/qoovhRE9hj

— Alex Larke (@AlexLarke) August 16, 2018

Pastora Soler — Spain 2012

Hasta siempre reina y señora de soul!!! Tu voz será siempre infinita e inmortal! #ArethaFranklin #Dep ???? pic.twitter.com/MEwQaGI0V3

— Pastora Soler (@PastoraSoler) August 16, 2018