Jennifer Hudson sanging Al Green’s “Let’s Stay Together” for President Barack Obama and the First Lady’s dance at the Inaugural balls, And she will not face the kind of backlash that Beyoncé received in 2009 after singing Etta James’ “At Last” at Obama’s first victory celebration. The soulful Reverend Al Green from Arkansas released a statement to The Associated Press, explaining that he was invited to sing the song but had a prior commitment. “Green said he’d be honored to sing for the president in the future,” The Associated Press reported, referring to the statement. Though Hudson’s rendition was nice -- she kept the song’s 1970s R&B essence and did not try to outdo Green -- some Green fans said they would have preferred to see the Grammy award-winning artist sing the song. (yahoo)

Aretha Franklin wowed the crowds at President Obama's first inauguration four years ago, belting out "My Country 'Tis of Thee" on a bitterly cold Washington, D.C., day. Four years later it was Beyonce whose performance drew initial raves at Obama's second inauguration, but with the news that she may have lip-synced her rendition of the "Star Spangled Banner" the Queen of Soul weighed in on the controversy, noting that she still thinks Beyonce "did a beautiful job."(yahoo)

"R&B Divas," the hit reality series following the lives of soulful talents, like Faith Evans, KeKe Wyatt and Syleena Johnson, has been picked up for an all-new season. TV One broke the news recently, slating the series for an at least eight episode return this Spring. Contrary to many a rumor, the entire cast, including Nicci Gilbert, is coming back for this new season.(singersroom)