James Devaney/WireimageThese days Aretha Franklin can get a standing-O at Madison Square Garden without even opening her mouth.
The noticeably skinny Queen of Soul, who has begun resuming her public life after a being sidelined by a mystery illness, got a rousing ovation as she sat courtside at last night Knicks-Magic contest.
Spike Lee was among the most animated, stepping out onto the court to cheer for for her. New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg and former Knicks great (now a Magic coach) Patrick Ewing also were spotted clapping. The P.A. kept playing her greatest hits throughout and she bobbed her head along to the music and flashed a thumbs-up. Franklin is in town to celebrate her 69th birthday, capped by an all-star party and a showing of Driving Miss Daisy on Broadway set for Friday.
Unfortunately for the New York fans, the Orlando squad didn't seem to have much R-E-S-P-E-C-T for the home team or the b-day girl, clobbering the Knicks 111-99.