Queen of ‘Idol'?

7/17/2012

"Queen of Soul" Aretha Franklin said on Saturday that she is interested in joining American Idol as a judge, just days after Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler declared they have ended their judging roles on the Fox show.

In response to an email question asking Franklin whether she is interested in joining Idol as a judge or a mentor, the singer responded, "Yes I am interested as a judge!"

Franklin, 70, is the legendary singer of 1960s hits such as "Respect," "Chain of Fools," and "Baby I Love You." She has won 18 Grammys during her career, and in 1987 she became the first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Representatives from Fox and FreemantleMedia, the production company behind Idol, could not be reached for comment.