Hundreds of singers from the divas that top the Billboard charts to cruise ship warblers have cited Aretha Franklin as their inspiration and motivation for becoming entertainers.

Aretha Franklin is the gold standard, and if they can capture just a smidgen of her grit, determination, and talent, they consider themselves blessed.

Johanna Colon was just six-years-old when she went viral in 2015 when she channeled the Queen of Soul in her dance recital performance to Aretha Franklin`s Respect.

Aretha was impressed by the little girl`s virtuoso performance: “That girl is serious. She is fierce. I`m afraid of her,” Franklin said in an interview on The Talk.

The chunky little “Queen of Tutu” was fierceness personified, and she won our hearts.

Eat your Wheaties, say your prayers, and listen to Aretha`s “Respect” and you too can be fierce like a mother.