Inside Aretha Franklin’s Birthday Party at the Ritz

(piano music)

I'd like to make a special dedication to Ms. Franklin.

Hi, how are you?

I'm Mario Cantone, and I'm here at Aretha Franklin's

74th birthday at the Ritz.

I have been summoned by the queen as the court jester.

She has been on the top of her game

for 60 years and still has power.

She is maybe the most preeminent gospel singer now.

(singing) I was singing.

I was singing my...

Hello, Vogue.

This is Chef Tyson from the Ritz-Carlton Hotel.

This is Aretha Franklin's special glazed ham.

(applause)

[Dennis Edwards] (singing) Happy birthday to you.

Happy birthday to you.

Happy birthday dear Aretha.

Happy birthday to you.

Oh.

Hey hey!

(cheers and applause)

God bless you.

[Aretha Franklin] It was sparkly and as fabulous

as only it can be.

Everything was wonderful.

Thanks for coming.