Aretha Franklin’s long version of national anthem goes viral

Those naysayers were drowned out by Franklin's fans, who said they needed to show a little R-E-S-P-E-C-T.

Franklin wore her trademark fur coat and a Detroit beanie to signify her hometown. She sat down at a piano and belted out a 4-minute, 35-second version of "The Star-Spangled Banner." Her version brought the house down at Detroit's Ford Field, and her performance quickly went viral.

"That was a gospel version of the #NationalAnthem," tweeted John Miller (@jfreemon63) "It's called seasoning folks. Prep takes longer ... but it tastes better."

That was a gospel version of the #NationalAnthem
It's called seasoning folks. Prep takes longer...but it tastes better. #arethafranklin
— 𝒥𝑜𝒽𝓃 ℱ𝓇𝑒𝑒𝓂𝑜𝓃 𝑀𝒾𝓁𝓁𝑒𝓇 (@jfreemon63) November 24, 2016

#IAmThankfulFor Queen of Soul, #ArethaFranklin reminding us to slow down & notice the reasons to be thankful today https://t.co/OqQ8rNwnF6
— Sergio The One ♪ (@Sergio_TheOne) November 24, 2016

#arethafranklin is royalty. If she sings the #NationalAnthem 4 10 mins then u shut up & listen. #BowDownToTheQueen #Lionsvsvikings #Lions
— Vincent Bernard (@VinceBernard) November 24, 2016

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Credit: Illustration: Philip Robibero / AJC

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