Gladys Knight Will Lead Aretha Franklin Tribute at American Music Awards Franklin and her legacy will be honored at this year's American Music Awards on October 9. Gladys Knight, Mary Mary, Donnie McClurkin and others will honor the late Queen of Soul. They will pay tribute to her gospel roots and Amazing Grace album. Franklin won six AMAs and hosted the awards show in 1976 and 1983. Sabrina Owens, Franklin’s niece, said the tribute "will go down as one of the best in American music.” The awards will be hosted by Tracee Ellis Ross and air live on Oct. 9 at 8:00 p.m EST on ABC.