Soul star Aretha Franklin was honoured for her lengthy career at the Essence Music Festival in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday (08Jul12).
The Think singer took to the stage during the R&B and soul event to perform a string of her hits, but she halted her set partway through so organisers could pay tribute to her.
A video montage of Franklin's career highlights was shown before she was handed the prestigious Power Award.
Michelle Ebanks, president of Essence Communications Inc., told the crowd, "We honour Ms. Aretha Franklin for having the greatest voice of all time."
Franklin thanked them "for these very wonderful and significant awards" and then resumed her set for delighted fans.
Late singer Whitney Houston was also remembered at the event, which featured performances from stars including Chaka Khan and Anthony Hamilton.