Coffee Talk: Aretha Performs New Music on 'The View'

It’s Friday! Check out what flavored coffee we’re sipping on:

• Can you imagine Aretha Franklin shopping at Whole Foods? She says she does! “I feel wonderful, I’ve got more energy, I’ve changed my diet,” she told the ladies of “The View” yesterday. “Dropped the chitlins, drop the ham hocks, getting some — I won’t say better food, I’ll say other food.” Ms. Franklin also dazzled the audience with a new song, “How Long I’ve Been Waiting” from her new album “Aretha, A Woman Falling Out of Love,” due out next week. Check it out below…[Eurweb]

• Oprah Winfrey is gearing up for her last few shows. According to news reports, tens of thousands of fans are expect to attend a star-studded show called “Surprise Oprah! A Farewell Spectacular” at the United Center. It’s scheduled to be taped May 17th and will air May 23 and 24th just before her finale on May 25th. [Eurweb]

• Mariah Carey fans are patiently waiting the arrival her twin babies. The news is buzzing with reports that she may undergo a C-section today. We’re keeping our eyes open. [Extra TV]

• Akon thought it would be nice to give the ladies on Usher’s “OMG” tour a little eye candy. The singer stripped down to his underwear and socks for their Florida show. SMH. Try again, my friend. [Punch Bowl Blog]

• Yesterday, the blogosphere was swirling with news that Chris Brown popped the big question to his girlfriend. Today, Brown is denying those rumors. “LOL… just heard about the engagement rumor. LOL.. Ummm False! I’m way too young for that step” he tweeted. [Urban Daily]

• Dionne Warwick has filed a law suit against the Broadway show “Baby It’s You” for allegedly using her music and elements of her life without consent. Warwick, along with three former members of the Shirelles and Chuck Jackson, claim they were “cheated out of their royalties when they were young and popular [and] are victimized again.” [Boom Box]

• Lauryn Hill, Fantasia and Wyclef Jean are all scheduled to perform at the 43rd annual New Orleans Jazz festival. We wonder if Hill and Jean will mysteriously reunite on stage. [Eurweb]