ARETHA FRANKLIN - FRANKLIN HAS THE HOTS FOR HOWARD

Soul queen ARETHA FRANKLIN altered the seating chart at a showbiz event on Saturday (11MAR06), so she could sit next to her crush, Oscar-nominee TERRENCE HOWARD. The larger-than-life singer, 63, was honoured with a Pioneer In Music Award at the National Association of Black-Owned Broadcasters' dinner in Washington DC, which was attended by the 37-year-old HUSTLE + FLOW actor, as well as ETTA JAMES, ALICIA KEYS and LACKAWANNA BLUES star S EPATHA MERKERSON. Accepting her award, Franklin said, "Twenty years ago, I would have hustled and flowed with him. "He sure is fine! I have to say that every time I see him. "Hallelujah, glory to God! This man is fine."