Aretha's Tribute Demands

Aretha Franklin ensured she knew everything which took place before her recent BLACK ENTERTAINMENT TELEVISION (BET) tribute - by ordering organisers not to spring any surprises.

The soul legend wanted to know exactly who was performing and what they were singing during her induction into BET's Walk of Fame on 18 October (03).

STEPHEN HILL, BET's senior vice president of music programming and talent, says last year's (02) Walk of Fame inductee Stevie Wonder was the complete opposite in that he insisted on being surprised during his tribute.

Hill says, "He just wanted to sit back and enjoy it. But Aretha wanted to know exactly what was going on, and who was going to be there."

Among those who performed at Aretha's tribute - which airs on American TV tomorrow (28OCT03) - were Chaka Khan, Mary J Blige, Norah Jones, WILSON PICKETT, Seal, Yolanda Adams, Teena Marie, Ronald Isley, Eddie Levert and American Idol victor Ruben Studdard.

Past Walk of Fame inductees include Patti Labelle, Luther Vandross, DIANA ROSS, Whitney Houston and Michael Jackson.