Why didn’t he ask Aretha for permission to re-record this song? She was clearly feeling his rendition. This could have easily been his biggest hit. He sings effortlessly and amazing. What a voice!

When you pay tribute to a great songstress and her late sister for writing such a beautiful classic, you sing it with the grace and integrity which it was originally recorded. Ruben did just that. Most young artists today would have tried to twist it and modernize it. But Miss Franklin can't be changed. She is the standard. Ruben was able to pull her heart because he did what needed to be done. Aretha's sister Carolyn died at the young age of 43 in 1988.

I've NEVER seen any other artist bring tears to Aretha's eyes..... NEVER.

The queen of soul was crying because she was missing her sister who wrote the song for her 😢 R.I.P. ARETHA!

First time I have ever seen her cry!

I pray she and her sister is sitting at a piano in heaven singing this song again!

Aretha’s most moving song. I wept until my eyes ran dry. Goodbye, Ree Ree 😔

I think she was emotional because of her sister and Rubens singing. he really sang beautifully so much so I was tearing up.

TALK ABOUT AN UNDERRATED VOCALIST. SING RUBEN!!!!!!!!!!!

Sitting there reminiscing on the good days with her sister must have been sad and beautiful. I love Aretha she was one of the few real entertainers.

It's hard to get that kind of emotion from Aretha, but, this definitely did it.

Thank you, Ruben Studdard. You did this song justice for Carol and Aretha. Keep on being you. Much respect.

Only singer that night that brought her to tears sing it Ruben

Awww! Seeing Aretha crying made me tear up! She must have been thinking about the old times. And Reuben's voice is so beautiful and mesmerizing. Aretha you are truly flying with Angels now.

The moment she grabbed the program(paper in her hands) trying to ground all that hurt into it, I knew I was about to witness the 1st time in history the Queen break down😢 R.I.Paradise Queen ReRe👑

Aretha is my Queen PERIOD, but I have never seen a tear drop from her eye ever. In a way it was nice to see because she is The named Queen, she takes on that role seriously.

those backupsingers are the voice of angels.

This song is touching Aretha deeply, being a song written by her beloved Sister, BUT NOW, she's with her siblings Erma, Carolyn, and Cecil.

Ruben bought Ms. Aretha to tears, she was trying hard not to break down, this song bought back memories for her. I have to get ruben his prop looking all slim and trim.

Aretha looks fabulous in that turquoise! I love that, my favorite color. :)

oh my my......this is just awesome! Aretha look so beautiful , I fell her genuine tears, she misses her sister. .Ruben they got the right one to sing this song as a tribute to her. He certainly honor and respect greatness, just calm and smooth. the orchestra especially the pianist, background singers ...all flows together. Love it!!!!! I have played this over and over and over... so glad I found this on KZfaq….. I remember years ago me and my 5 sisters got a limousine went to see her perform here in the Dallas Metroplex.....we had so much fun fun.... R.I.P dear lady! we miss and love you..

When a tribute is done right. Telling a story, giving you something you can feel. 💔

man, Ruben really reached me deep inside...so genuine..no gymnastics, just pure heart and soul....well done Ruben!!!

Written by Carolyn Franklin..my fav...ruben did that!!!!! Where is he? He needs to come back with something to feed our soul.

What a beautiful rendition. Moved her to tears. Just beautiful.

Sing Ruben Studdard! You did justice for that song The Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin!

I hope Ruben Studdard will be allowed to sing "Angel" at Aretha's Funeral! I know it is not Gospel but seeing that the title is "Angel"; and she is truly that , In my opinion in her honor I think it would be appropriate this final time.

Not only was Ruben SANGIN that song but you could tell that Aretha took a deep thinking about her little sister Carolyn because she did actually write a FEW of her hits and sang background for quite a while💯

Rip Aretha! This song is absolutely beautiful. Ruben did this song justice! Had Aretha tearing😢

Just seeing the Queen cry my heart melted. Rest In Peace Diva.💜

Ruben captured the spirit of that song. He took Aretha back into the studio when her sister introduced this masterpiece. I felt part of what Aretha was feeling listening to Ruben!

Being from DETROIT...Aretha was a requirement in our home...everytime my Aunt had a breakup...we listened to Aretha to help her get through it. I was SEVERELY affected when Aretha passed, her music always pierced my SOUL ...RIP QUEEN..Reuben good version ❤

That rendition touched Aretha's heart ... and not to be shady, but it ain't exactly easy to do that lol. Go Ruben!

....that....was a beautiful moment in black culture.....

You can tell this performance unearthed some pain in Ms. Franklin. Brought me to tears for her. That’s the power of music - good music. So grateful for all the years and the gifts she left us. God bless the Queen! Rest In Peace...

Did you see the look on her face. Great job brother, you felt the song.

Man, Ruben, I love this! I keep listening to it over and over. You did an Aretha Franklin song serious justice! :-) Good stuff! So underrated!

Probably the best rendition of this song ever sung behind Aretha. I seen him in concert before and the man is gifted I wish him much success.

I had never seen this Video before 2 days ago and as I watch Aretha drop her tears, with Dignity; I can only imagine she is thinking of Carolyn and definitely giving her approval of Ruben, the background singers and the talented musicians who accompanied him in this BEAUTIFUL CLASSIC!!!!

I can't stop replaying this video, looking at Aretha; Queen of Soul; R. I. P. !!!

This was one of the best performances of the evening and good music can move anyone to tears. We can all assume that we know why Aretha dropped tears, but I would think it would be the reflection of her not having that "Angel" in her life, losing her sister Carolyn, her dad, Luther and a host of others that meant so much in her life. Long live the Queen!. Thanks for posting.

Best performance of the night. This is real music folks...written by Aretha sister and song my Aretha...The original version is a BEAST and this version is a KILLA!!

Ruben looks so calm and unassuming that it's really misleading. I converted this to MP3 years back... and y'all his voice is really gifted... the difficulty of pulling off such a gifted voice without yelling is extremely high. at any rate, it's so well sung (with everyone watchin this dude on a stage... with Aretha Franklin watchin.. not in a studio) that it even sounds good converted at low bitrate by those KZfaq to MP3 programs/sites. .... Do me a favor? Replay the video then close your eyes and LISTEN... You're welcome.

I love this tribute. Ruben really did it with class. I felt every word of the song.

Rest in Peace Sistah Queen. Weep no more.

What I love about watching all of these videos is she knew that we all loved her. RIP beautiful

Aretha has fulfilled her blessed duty here beyond measure. My God, what a legacy, what a meaningful contribution she has given to the world. When God gives talent, when He gives gifts, He never half-steps. I am most sure we will miss her terribly. I hope she didn't suffer in her latter days. Right now, may God bring comfort to her family and friends. My heart is heavy because she has lifted up, and pulled up myself, and a great many people through song. And she was the best of the best that did so. Thank you my Lord, for bringing Aretha and her gift to all. Thank you Jesus!

This one messes me up everytime. Mr Studdard just gave it the right touch

Rest Well in the Fathers Arms Aretha, you've been through so much. The pain is gone. Thank you for sharing God's gift with us.

Just an awesome rendition of Aretha's song. Ruben sings so heavenly; he sings effortlessly. I just love the Velvet Teddy Bear.

you hardly see r & b singer that sing with ease & good voice like Reuben.

Wow Aretha looks so beautiful i truly enjoyed this performance and Reuben Studdard

Any artist could have attempted this song! Mr. Ruben was the best candidate for this dedication. Salute brotha!

Ruben nailed this and Aretha appeared to really feel it. Perfect.

Aretha was moved to tears because her sister Carolyn wrote this song. I think Aretha is one of the only siblings left of the Franklin family so this really moved her.

Aretha and Carolyn died exactly 30 years apart and both from cancer. The two of the greatest musicians. RIP

Ruben better KNOW he had my ass crying during this performance!!! He really should take it to the studio!

#RIP to a #Legend 😢.. Ruben voice so smooth & he did a great job.. Me & Aretha was in tears 😍🤞🏿..

She was so beautiful

So many times over the years when I have watched this I wondered what was running thru Ms. Aretha's mind. Now today my mind did not go there because I have the peace of knowing she is an angel in God's holy choir. R.I.P. Ms. Aretha.

THEE BEST Ruben performance I've seen. I cried right along with Aretha when it originally aired. I've cried every single time since then. Wiping tears now as I type 😢💝.

He did it! Oh yes Lord He did! Brought her to tears

This song (Angel)💕was beautiful in my ears at six yrs of age now at 50+it is much appreciated at heart with love and meaning...Rueben Studdard you are amazing you did that🎤🎶R.I.P.😇 Queen Aretha you will always be in the hearts That God allowed you to touch forever for always you are loved🌹

ALL HAIL TO THE QUEEN!!!! This brought her to tears. I remember watching this show.Ruben gave the best performance of the evening,no doubt.I Looooooooove ARETHA.

Most beautiful rendition. Thank you Ruben! Rest Ms Franklin. We love you.

His vocals on this song were so on point that I saved the audio of this video as an MP3 years ago. You can sorta appreciate his vocals while watching this LIVE event, but the thing about it is: When you listen to the audio--minus getting distracted with the wonderful stuff and emotions of the video--it sounds even better. And the sh*t was LIVE. Great job, man. Great job.

Her crying made me cry because I know how it is to lose a family member you were so close to. Makes you wish they were still here.

Ps.Ms.Aretha has been through so much

All Time favorite song by Ms Franklin

I feel for her at this moment because I have a sister that I am VERY close to and I can't imagine losing her

That was a moment right there... We didn’t see Queen show emotion much

man this is the best of ruben

Beautiful...Reuben sang that! And made the queen CRYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!

I discover every day Blacks musicians and I thank KZfaq. I love Ruben Studdard. A very big moment, especially when I saw Aretha shed tears.

What a BLESSED and EXQUISITE,TALENTED life she has had!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

this made me cry thanks ruben and the queen

Ruben, Ruben, Ruben! Man, all, I can say is if you read this post, you SHOULD RECORD THIS SONG. IT SHOULD BE YOUR NEXT SINGLE. It is guaranteed to be a number #1 hit. This is your line of songs, RUBEN. Become our next great Crooner. Barry White, Luther, AND Gerald Levert all have gone home to be with the LORD. You can bring us Back OUR MUSIC. You can be better known as THE LOVE song rescuer. Music has no meaning today. Not one song today can mend a broken heart. PLEASE RECORD THIS SONG.

Hurry Back Big Ruben! We miss this type of singing!

I have loved that song since I was a child. It STILL makes me cry to this day.

What really comes from the heart, will surely reach someones heart. Rueben touched Aretha's heart.

Yes Ruben! I've played this over and over again. I got the same reaction....tears....so smooth/classic. Love it

I loved his version... kept it plain and simple and I felt his every word..

Omg...Ruben sang the hell out of this song. It's such a beautiful melody. The musician's in this was awesome! The voilins👍

I found my angel and it's Aretha Franklin.

Hell I'm crying too. I need an angel man in my life. Im sure that's what Aretha was thinking and feeling also. Every woman, especially a diva needs to be loved

I don’t know who in the world could put a thumbs down on this performance by Ruben Studdard, singing this song. It’s obvious that they do not appreciate good music when they hear it. This is such a beautiful song! And he sings it beautifully. It even touch the one and only original singer of this song Queen Aretha Franklin.

A outstanding performance. !!!

outstanding. true, it's nice to see her vulnerable, and showing emotion. What an honour For Rueben, well done, and love his voice with that little crack. perfect.

This touched Ms.Aretha so deep,Rueben had me weeping,I gotta download this special song,Sung with great soul,thank you Ms.Aretha andRueben

I love his voice. No lip singing needed. Beautifully done.

Great job Ruben! Every time I watch this video it makes me feel good. Mrs. Franklin was touched by your singing. I believe she was flooded with good memories of her sister Carolyn who wrote such a beautiful song.

What a beautiful and passionate song, i could see why Ms.Franklin wa sin tears and Reuben...WHERE ARE YOU! such a blessed man with a beautiful voice

Crying right along with u Lady Soul. Damn I'm gonna miss u

Just beautiful....

It made me cry. This song always does. But his rendition is to be commended.

I would've loved for him to record this.

I sure wish Rueben could have performed this song at Aretha’s funeral yesterday. I know there will be other upcoming tributes..but Rueben if you happen to see this, please add this song to your next cd.

Beautiful Song!! Aretha dropping a TEAR; Pass the torch Aretha, It's Still your song! No One does it like U!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This is one of the most beautiful songs in the world. I love Reuben and wish him much prosperity in his career. He sounds like a beautiful songbird!!! Thanks for posting this one.

that was beautifull, authentic and so so so so moving he delivered e true meaning of the song BIG REUB!!!!