Fashionistas will get an eyeful when they see the exclusively designed costumes by Luther Vandross, Valentino, Halston, Donna Karan and Bill Blass. Vandross designed two gowns in celebration of his friendship with Franklin and as an extension of his creative ability.

Only a few dates for the singer’s last major full-scale tour have been announced and more are expected to be confirmed in the coming weeks.

Both Canadian shows in April have been switched up. The April 16 gig in Toronto has been postponed to June 1 – which looks to be the official start to Franklin’s tour – while the April 19 show in Sarnia has been put off due to “an unforeseen scheduling conflict” until further notice.

Fans who can’t make it to any shows on the tour need not fret – Franklin plans to continue performing select dates in the future.

In an unusual move, Franklin has announced there will be open auditions for dancers in the tour troupe for male and female dancers, ages 18-35. They’ll be held in Detroit during the second week in May. The location will be announced just prior to the audition dates. Those interested in joining should be prepared with videos, brochures, resume, photos – you get the idea.

Crowned the Queen Of Soul, Franklin has been a cornerstone in soul music for more than three decades. She was the first woman inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall OF Fame (1987) and has won an impressive 15 Grammy Awards.

Franklin’s newest studio album, not yet titled, will be released in September and follows 1998’s A Rose Is Still A Rose.