Sunday, 27 March 2011

That looks tempting! Dieting diva Aretha Franklin blows out candles on a HUGE cake at birthday party.

Miss FB Lyimo say. so lovely be blessed dear"

She has lost a Aretha Franklin 85lbs in recent months, however the diva faced serious temptation as she attended her birthday party in New York last night.
The Queen of Soul was presented with a huge cake as she celebrated turning 69 with a star-studded group of friends.
She showed off her noticeably thinner frame in a flowing white and gold gown as she blew out the candles.

Birthday treat: Aretha Franklin, who has lost 85lbs in recent months, celebrates her 69th birthday in New York last night

Later she gave a brief but rousing performance in front of her friends at a Central Park hotel.
Tony Bennett, Smokey Robinson, music mogul Clive Davis, Bette Midler and Gayle King were among the celebrities on hand to pay tribute to her.
'It's a fabulous moment,' said Franklin.
Bennett, who called Franklin 'one of a kind', was one of those who came with a present - and his was unique.
'I also paint, so she knows about that,' he said.
'A long time ago, she said, 'I'd love to have you do a painting of me,' and I remembered that, and when I heard I was coming here, I just knocked off a quick sketch and gave it to her tonight.'

Kisses and hugs: Bette Midler dives in to wish the diva a happy birthday

Special guests: Aretha with Smokey Robinson and Gayle King

Party people: Dancing With The Stars contestant Wendy Williams and her husband Kevin Hunter

More than 100 friends and family gathered to celebrate Franklin, who just a few months ago underwent surgery for an ailment she has declined to disclose. In recent weeks, she has made more public appearances and is set to resume her stage performances in May.
At the party, Franklin seemed full of energy, greeting guests and dancing to the music.
Franklin was not billed as the evening's entertainment. Instead, she had other acclaimed musicians on hand to perform for her: jazz musician Roy Ayers, singer Nnenna Freelon, and Tito Puente all gave mini-concerts at the soiree.
But after former Temptations frontman Dennis Edwards serenaded her with a couple of songs, she joined him and they both sang The Way We Were.
Afterward, Edwards and the crowd sang Happy Birthday to Franklin, and she cut her birthday cake.
She was staying in New York at least for today, but don't expect much more celebrating for Franklin.
'I will be in a horizontal position tomorrow, all day!' she said.
Franklin's figure has transformed following an undisclosed surgical procedure late last year.
She has denied speculation she underwent gastric bypass surgery.