Grammy-nominated powerhouse Sheléa is hitting new high notes—literally and figuratively. Fresh off Stevie Wonder’s 2024 Sing Your Song! national tour as his “Special Guest,” the singer/songwriter/pianist/producer/actress is stepping into the spotlight once again with her upcoming PBS special Aretha! With Sheléa and The Pacific Symphony. Premiering on PBS stations beginning May 30, the tribute honors the legendary Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, and will also stream for free on PBS.org and the PBS App.
Filmed at the Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall in Costa Mesa, California, the special was conducted by Emmy-winning music director Rickey Minor. Sheléa delivers riveting renditions of Franklin classics like “Respect,” “Chain of Fools,” “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” and “Say a Little Prayer,” backed by the Pacific Symphony and a powerful choir. She also joins vocal coach and artist Stevie Mackey for a duet of “I Knew You Were Waiting.”
But that’s not all. On April 25, Sheléa will release a new original single, “Never Give Up On Love,” inspired by Aretha’s emotional depth and message-driven music. “I wrote the song for those who are losing faith in finding love,” Sheléa shares. “It comes when you least expect it.”
Mentored by the legendary Quincy Jones and celebrated by icons like Stevie Wonder and David Foster, Sheléa’s star continues to rise. Often likened to Whitney Houston for her vocal range and Alicia Keys for her musicianship, she has performed everywhere from The White House to Royal Albert Hall. Her acclaimed portrayal of Dorinda Clark in The Clark Sisters: The First Ladies of Gospel proved she’s just as formidable onscreen as she is behind the mic.
With her latest projects, Sheléa continues to redefine what it means to be a modern musical icon.