Aretha Franklin: I'd like to be 'Idol' judge

Aretha Franklin told CNN she has long been a fan of "American Idol" and is interested in being a judge on the show.

• Aretha Franklin tells CNN she is interested in joining "American Idol" as a judge
• Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez announced this week they are leaving the show
• Fox declined to comment about Franklin

(CNN) -- "American Idol" lost two stars this week when judges Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez announced they would not be returning next season, but the hit Fox show could gain itself The Queen.

Aretha Franklin, an 18-time Grammy Award winner who Rolling Stone proclaimed the greatest female singer of all time, told CNN in an e-mail Saturday that she is interested in joining the show as a judge.

Franklin, 70, who wowed the Essence Music Festival crowd last week in New Orleans and is now performing in Las Vegas, says she has long been a fan of the show. Now instead of watching it with the rest of America, she's ready to play a vital role in choosing the next "American Idol."

And as the Queen of Soul would do, she's already thinking about bringing along a sidekick: songstress Patti LaBelle.

In the wake of Steven Tyler's departure from "American Idol," rumors have been swirling that the judging table might look very different next season. Which star (or stars, as Jennifer Lopez is following suit) should fill the seats?

Grammy-winning diva Mariah Carey is reportedly in talks to become the next "Idol" judge. The star has long been praised for her range and vocals, plus her husband, Nick Cannon, hosts "America's Got Talent." Will Mariah keep singing competition shows in the family?

"Idol" alum Adam Lambert has also been rumored to be in the running to become an "Idol" judge. He told British radio station Capital FM he would "jump at the chance" if offered the spot.

The megapopular British singing star recently announced that she is pregnant. "Idol" would undoubtedly benefit from enlisting someone like her â€" a songstress known for her powerful vocals and heartfelt ballads â€" for its judging panel. And it could be the perfect break from performing for the new mom.

His stamp of approval did wonders for Justin Bieber, so who better to endorse another fledgling star? Usher could lend his expertise on both vocals and being a dynamic performer.

Thicke, an R&B star who broke through with the single "Lost Without U" in 2006, now dishes advice and criticism on ABC's "Duets." He has called himself the "underdog" of the show's judges, John Legend, Kelly Clarkson and Jennifer Nettles. He may be enough of a household name now to snag "Idol" consideration.

Rap star Drake is one of the hottest and most talked-about artists right now, and his name alone would probably draw viewers. Plus, his youth and honest lyrics make him relatable, and we can only imagine his critiques would be on-point.

Clarkson, like Thicke, is a judge on "Duets," but we'd like to see an "Idol" homecoming in her future. The show's first winner could come full circle. She would look like a natural sitting at the judges' table.

"Idol's" Nigel Lythgoe has reportedly said he'd like Charlie Sheen to judge the singing competition show. And Sheen sounds like he'd be on board.

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Fox declined to comment on Franklin on Saturday night.

The addition of Franklin could help Fox stop the ratings slide of "Idol," which saw it lose its spot as the top show of the year to NBC's "Sunday Night Football."

The addition of similar singing contests to primetime television has increased the competition for viewers.

Fox's "The X Factor" recently added pop star Britney Spears after booting former "Idol" judge Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger of the Pussycat Dolls. NBC's "The Voice" -- "Idol's" closest competitor -- has gained ground with judges Cee Lo Green, Adam Levine, Christina Aguilera, and Blake Shelton.

CNN's Jack Hannah contributed to this report.