Aretha Franklin cancels gigs on medical advice

Aretha Franklin has been advised by her doctor to cancel a number of concerts.

The 74-year-old singer has axed an upcoming gig in Virginia this month, along with a performance at ‘Tony Bennett Celebrates 90’ and a solo show at New York City’s Radio City Music Hall in September.

She said in a statement: "Due to doctors’ orders I will have to cancel a few concerts for the next month or so."

Aretha expects to return to performing in November.

Meanwhile, Aretha recently revealed she has no plans to retire.

The singer is a big fan of younger artists such as Adele, Beyonce and Lady Gaga but insisted there is no one she could pass her diva torch on to as she is "not going anywhere".

She said: "There’s a lot of great singers out here."

Asked who could take over from her, she added: "I’m here I’m not going anywhere. This is what I do.

"I’m doing very well. I’m going to be around. I’ll be like Perry Como [was], somewhere on a couch laying down with a microphone, still singing."

The ‘Respect’ singer is currently busy working on her upcoming biopic and is delighted with the person who will portray her in the as-yet untitled project.

She said: "I’ve talked to the person that is going to play me.

"I’m not going to say who I chose, but I’ve talked to her and she’s ready and I’m happy with her."