If superdiva Aretha Franklin is still hungry after finishing off her simple backstage spread of canapés and ginger ale, the Queen of Soul will have no problem springing for a little post-show grub. That's because Franklin requires promoters to provide her with $25,000 in cold hard cash on the night of a concert (which represents only a portion of her appearance fee). We're not sure where she stashes all that green, but her, um, flowing gowns probably have a few spare pockets. As for her lodging demands, it looks like Aretha's willing to pass on the swankier penthouse suites to avoid going above a hotel's fifth floor--no surprise from a performer who will not fly on an airplane. (5 pages)

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