'AGT' Singer Pays Tribute to Aretha Franklin with 'A Natural Woman' — But Simon Cowell Disapproves

Christina Wells kicked off Tuesday’sAmerica’s Got Talentsemifinals with a powerhouse rendition of one ofAretha Franklin‘s classic.

The mother of two from Houston, Texas, belted out the lyrics of the 1967 hit much to the delight ofHeidi Klum,Mel Band host Tyra Banks.

NBC

Meanwhile, Klum, who gave Wells a standing ovation, said, “I think you are the only person in this competition who has the moxie and the talent to sing that song on this very stage.”

However, Cowell and Howie Mandel couldn’t help but point out some “weird notes” during Wells’ performance.

“I had a feeling you might be singing an Aretha song tonight. For me, the song was over orchestrated maybe nerves, you hit some bum notes,” Cowell said. “But I am hoping that we forget all that and remember the great singer that you are and the person you are. This was not your best performance.”

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RELATED VIDEO: The Queen of Soul Is Laid to Rest: Watch Aretha Franklin’s Moving, Star-Studded Funeral Service

Later in the evening, Klum called out Cowell for being “grumpy” during another vocalist’s performance.

Franklindiedon Aug. 16 ofadvance pancreatic cancer of the neuroendocrine type. She was 76.

Since her death, many have paid tribute to the Queen of Soul with their renditions of “A Natural Woman,” includingAriana Grandewho tearfullyperformed the songonThe Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallonthe night of Franklin’s death as well as at the icon’sstar-studded Aug. 31 funeral.

America’s Got Talentairs Tuesdays and Wednesdays (8 p.m. ET) on NBC.

source: people.com