**The Untold Rivalries of Aretha Franklin: Top 6 Singers She Secretly Disliked**

Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul, was undoubtedly one of the most iconic figures in music history. Her voice, style, and presence defined an era, but behind the scenes, her relationships with other legendary artists were often strained.

In this exploration of six singers Aretha Franklin reportedly disliked, we uncover the rivalries, silent feuds, and complicated dynamics that shaped the golden era of soul music.

**1. Dionne Warwick**
The tension between Aretha Franklin and Dionne Warwick was no secret. Their feud escalated in 2012 at Whitney Houston’s funeral, where Warwick mistakenly referred to Franklin as Whitney’s godmother—a claim Aretha refuted vehemently.

Franklin later called Warwick’s statement “a blatant lie,” severing any semblance of a relationship between the two. The rivalry reportedly stemmed from artistic competition during their careers, with Franklin re-recording Warwick’s hit “I Say a Little Prayer” in 1968, adding her signature depth and emotion to the track. The move was seen as a subtle declaration of superiority, solidifying Franklin’s dominance in the soul music world.

**2. Patti LaBelle**

While Aretha and Patti LaBelle shared gospel roots and immense talent, their relationship was marked by coldness. At the 2014 BET Awards, Franklin famously walked past LaBelle without acknowledging her, sparking rumors of animosity.

Their rivalry appeared to stem from their similarities—both were strong-willed, powerful performers, and neither was willing to share the spotlight. While LaBelle maintained a respectful demeanor, Franklin’s actions often conveyed a refusal to collaborate or engage, leaving fans and industry insiders speculating about the depth of their discord.

**3. Diana Ross**

Diana Ross and Aretha Franklin represented two distinct archetypes in Black music. Ross, polished and glamorous, was the epitome of Motown’s pop appeal, while Franklin embodied raw, authentic soul. Their paths rarely crossed, and Franklin reportedly avoided events where Ross was present. The media’s frequent comparisons between the two only fueled the tension, with Franklin feeling overshadowed by Ross’s Hollywood connections and mainstream success. Despite their mutual respect as artists, the two remained distant, with no collaborations or public displays of camaraderie throughout their careers.

**4. Gladys Knight**

Gladys Knight, known as the Empress of Soul, was another artist Franklin reportedly kept at arm’s length. While Knight’s warm and approachable demeanor made her a beloved figure, Franklin’s interactions with her were notably cold. Industry insiders suggested that Franklin’s guarded behavior stemmed from a desire to maintain her status as the reigning queen. Knight, on the other hand, never publicly expressed bitterness, choosing instead to acknowledge Franklin’s unique personality and legacy.

**5. Natalie Cole**

Natalie Cole’s rise to fame in the 1970s posed a direct challenge to Franklin’s dominance. When Cole won the Grammy for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance in 1976, breaking Franklin’s eight-year winning streak, the Queen of Soul reportedly left the event early. While Cole often expressed admiration for Franklin, the younger artist’s success—bolstered by her father’s legacy and mainstream appeal—highlighted Franklin’s discomfort with being compared to or replaced by newer talent.

**6. Mariah Carey**

Mariah Carey’s encounter with Aretha Franklin at a diva tribute event reportedly left Carey shaken. Franklin’s cold demeanor and refusal to engage with Carey backstage were interpreted as a dismissal of the younger artist’s pop sensibilities. Franklin’s disdain for the industrialization of music and preference for authentic soul likely contributed to her indifference toward Carey, as well as other modern artists like Beyoncé and Taylor Swift.

**Conclusion**
Aretha Franklin’s relationships with her peers were shaped by her fierce self-respect and unwavering commitment to her craft. While she may not have openly feuded with these artists, her actions and silence spoke volumes. Franklin’s legacy as the Queen of Soul remains untouchable, but her guarded interactions with other icons reveal the complexities of navigating fame, competition, and artistic identity in a challenging industry.