Aretha Franklin slams Kathie Lee after 'Today' host says she’s too old for 'American Idol'

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Aretha Franklin is letting it be known that she has what it takes to be a judge on American Idol. Days ago the “Respect” singer sent an email to CNN volunteering to be a judge on the upcoming season of Idol, with one major caveat – she wants Patti LaBelle by her side.

Franklin’s eagerness to host the singing competition has prompted members the media to weigh in on whether she has what it takes to bring ratings back to the show.

Yesterday on NBC’s Today, Kathie Lee Gifford suggested that younger Idol viewers are not familiar with Franklin’s musical legacy. “If they are looking for a younger demographic, there are a lot of kids out there (who) actually don’t know who Aretha Franklin is. It’s sad, but they don’t,” Gifford said.

E! correspondent Jason Kennedy, who was a guest on the show, added that Franklin doesn’t like to fly and probably wouldn’t be able to make it to nationwide auditions.

Gifford’s comments prompted the 70-year-old singer to send an email to CNN in her defense.

“While I enjoy Kathie Lee and Hoda daily, her assessment is totally wrong! I’ve been to California from Detroit four times this year and Florida. I go wherever I choose to go comfortably on my custom bus.

Further, my audience and fans span the age of 8 to 90! And are multi-ethnic, and I am very well known to young adults, tweens and teens. Their parents play my music and I take care of my business whenever I sign on the dotted line! I’m surprised Kathie Lee did not research my worldwide celebrity audience! She’s usually right on top of things with a great sense of humor, but she’s totally wrong this time. She should research me before she speaks about me. I’m sure she thought she was right; still enjoy Hoda and Kathie Lee! I could enjoy being a judge for a season or two. Let’s kick it up a few notches and have a slammin’, jammin’ season.”

Franklin is proving that she is serious about wanting to be a judge American Idol. Do you think she is too old to connect with viewers?

Follow Chris Witherspoon on Twitter at @WitherspoonC