Aretha Franklin's granddaughter auditioned for 'American Idol' and sang one of the R&B legend's songs

• Aretha Franklin's granddaughter, Grace Franklin, auditioned for "American Idol" on Sunday.
• The 15-year-old sang Lauryn Hill's "Killing Me Softly" before singing her grandmother's "Ain't No Way."

The late Aretha Franklin's 15-year-old granddaughter, Grace Franklin, auditioned for "American Idol" during its fifth season premiere Sunday night.

Franklin appeared as a contestant in front of judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan. When asked by Richie what brought Franklin to "American Idol" she shared her family's musical background.

"I was really close with my grandma," she said. "I got to see her all the time. I used to travel with her a lot. I don't think I could fully grasp the fact that she was known worldwide, because to me she was always just 'Grandma.'"

Franklin opted for R&B legend Lauryn Hill's "Killing Me Softly" to perform but when it didn't move the judges, they suggested she sing another song.

Franklin then performed her grandmother's "Ain't No Way" but still couldn't impress all the judges, specifically Bryan. who said her runs are great but that she needed to "add command" – leading him to a "no."

Perry felt the opposite. "I think you have stardust and sparkle all over you," she said. "You are beautiful, and if you'll trust us, if you'll listen to us, if you'll put in the work, I think we can find that next level with you."

However, the deciding factor was Richie who tenderly voted no. "I think the best thing for you in life is to take a shot at going backwards," Richie said. "Go back and get a running start and come back at this again."

Richie reassured Franklin by giving her a hug and encouraging her to come back.

"American Idol" airs Sundays at 8 p.m. on ABC.