Beyonce Knowles and Jay-Z started their On The Run II Tour performance at Ford Field, Detroit, by dedicating the show to American singer and songwriter Aretha Franklin, who is gravely ill. Beyoncé said, "We love you and thank you for the music.

Franklin and Beyoncé were in conflict after the 2008 Grammy awards, where Beyonce had referred to Tina Turner as the Queen. Franklin, who was widely known as Queen of Soul, took objection to that. Later, in a written statement, she called it "a cheap shot for controversy", but she concluded the statement with "love to Beyoncé anyway." DJ Khaled, who performed at the show, also paid tribute to Franklin during his set, asking the crowd to send some love to her.