Franklin: 'Barrino Grammy snub unintentional'

Aretha Franklin has suggested that Fantasia Barrino's absence from a Grammy tribute to the 'Queen Of Soul' was simply an oversight.

Last week, Barrino, who once portrayed Franklin in an episode of American Dreams, expressed frustration that she had not been invited to honour the singer alongside Christina Aguilera and several other artists at the 2011 Grammy Awards.

Franklin has now responded in an official statement to USA Today's Lifeline Live, in which she contends that Barrino was not intentionally snubbed.

"I was sorry to hear that Fantasia was upset because she did not get the opportunity to participate in my Grammy tribute this year," she said.

Franklin further remarked that the nature of the music industry prevents artists from appearing at every event in which they hope to take part.

"Fantasia is still young in the business and although we all love and appreciate her she must understand that in this business of show business she will not always get to participate in everything she would like participate in," the 'Respect' musician stated.

"I'm sure it was not an intentional omission. I will see Fantasia over the summer here in Detroit."

Franklin previously confirmed that she plans to return to the spotlight with the release of a new LP Aretha: A Woman Falling Out Of Love.