“She Thinks She’s The Queen” — Aretha Franklin Recalls Whitney Houston’s 12 Playful Dares That Kept Her Awake Before Their Legendary Duet

When two of the greatest voices in music history shared a stage, sparks were inevitable. But behind the powerhouse vocals and seamless performances, Aretha Franklin and Whitney Houston shared something even rarer — a friendship built on mutual admiration, playfulness, and a little friendly competition.

In a 2008 interview, the Queen of Soul revealed an unforgettable story from the late 1990s — the night before she and Houston were set to perform together at a star-studded charity concert in New York.

“She called me at one in the morning,” Aretha said, laughing at the memory. “I said, ‘Whitney, what are you doing up?’ And she said, ‘Just making sure you’re ready, Miss Reee-spect.’”

What followed wasn’t a rehearsal — it was a challenge.

The 12 Dares That Defined a Friendship

According to Franklin, Houston spent the next several minutes firing off a string of twelve musical “dares.”

“She told me, ‘Tomorrow, I dare you to hit that high A without taking a breath,’” Aretha recalled. “Then she said, ‘I dare you to hold your note longer than mine.’ It went on and on — twelve dares in total. I was laughing so hard I couldn’t sleep.”

Far from arrogance, Franklin said Whitney’s late-night teasing came from a place of respect — and nerves.

“She said, ‘You’re the Queen, but I’m coming for your crown — just for one night!’” Aretha smiled. “Then she added, ‘You’d better bring those heels and that Holy Ghost voice!’”

A Battle of Brilliance on Stage

When the two finally took the stage, the atmosphere was electric. Performing “Ain’t No Way,” they traded ad-libs, harmonies, and effortless runs that left the audience in awe. But behind the showmanship, Franklin said, was pure joy.

“Whitney didn’t compete with hate,” she explained. “She competed with love. She wanted to pull greatness out of you.”

At one point during the song, Franklin said she could still hear Whitney whispering mid-performance:

“C’mon, Queen — hit that run!”

Their duet became a moment for the ages — a blend of gospel power, pop precision, and sisterly affection.

A Friendship of Respect and Fire

After the show, the two shared an embrace backstage. “Whitney hugged me and said, ‘Queen, you still got it — but I got close, didn’t I?’” Franklin laughed. “I told her, ‘Baby, you were the fire.’”

Years later, after Houston’s passing, Franklin said she often replayed that night in her mind. “Those calls, that spirit… that’s what I miss,” she said softly. “She made me stay sharp. She made me stay awake — literally and musically.”

A Queen and Her Challenger

Despite their legendary status, both artists approached music with humility and humor — never forgetting the joy at the heart of their craft. For Franklin, Whitney’s playful dares weren’t just a game; they were a reminder that greatness thrives on inspiration, not rivalry.

“Whitney never needed a throne,” Aretha said. “She was already royal — all heart, all fight, and all music.”

Twelve dares. Two icons. One unforgettable night.

A moment that proved even the Queen of Soul could be kept awake — not by worry, but by laughter, love, and the echo of another queen daring her to shine brighter.