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This week’s airing of the 2015 Kennedy Center Honors showed President Obama in a whole new light after a show-stopping performance from the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin.

The legendary singer brought the house down during her tribute to singer/songwriter Carole King in Washington D.C. The December 6th show aired Tuesday evening and honored King, Star Wars creator George Lucas, EGOT winner and Puerto Rican actress Rita Moreno, legendary actress Cicely Tyson, and composer Seiji Ozawa.

Each entertainer had fitting introductions from Viola Davis, Kerry Washington, Gina Rodriguez, Steven Spielberg, and Yo-Yo Ma, respectively. Aretha’s performance came after tributes by Janelle Monae, who sang “Will You Love Me Tomorrow” and “One Fine Day,” James Taylor, who performed “Up on the Roof,” and Sara Bareilles, who sang “You’ve Got A Friend.”

King co-wrote Franklin’s hit “Natural Woman” in 1967. The single went on to become one of her most-recognized songs. As she stepped onto the stage in a classic gown-fur coat ensemble, Aretha sang the tune and played the piano, bringing the President to tears.

King and First Lady Michelle Obama were also loving the performance, which got a standing ovation from the crowd.

Obama wasn’t the only one shedding a few tears. The Trip to Bountiful actress Cicely Tyson was also left overwhelmed after a performance of “Blessed Assurance” by CeCe Winans and Terrence Blanchard. 

Check out Franklin’s performance above and more details behind the show here.

SOURCE: NY Daily News | VIDEO CREDIT: YouTube, Instagram | PHOTO CREDIT: Getty 

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