MUSIC – BILLBOARD WOMEN

It’s tough to top a birthday serenade from the Queen of Soul.

Aretha Franklin gave an impromptu performance of “Happy Birthday” to Taylor Swift, Billboard’s new “Woman of the Year,” at their annual Women in Music event on Friday.

Swift doesn’t turn 25 until Saturday but she celebrated early with the honour as she was one of several women honoured at the event.

That included Franklin, who received the appropriately named “Icon” award.

Ariana Grande was named “Rising Star” while Iggy Azalea was named “Chart Topper.”