World Series 2012: Aretha Franklin to sing national anthem for Game 5 (if necessary)

Detroit's own Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul, will sing the "Star-Spangled Banner" before Game 5 of the World Series, if neither the Tigers nor the San Francisco Giants take the 2012 Series in a four-game sweep. Franklin sang the National Anthem at Comerica Park before Game 3 of the 2011 American League Championship Series.

Gospel singer Marvin Winans will sing the anthem before Game 3 in Detroit on Saturday. An anthemist has not been announced for Game 4, which will definitely be held in Detroit as well - Games 6 and 7 will be in San Francisco, if the Series goes that long. Phillip Phillips, apparently a singer of American Idol fame, will sing the National Anthem before Game 1 in San Francisco on Wednesday night. A singer for Game 2 has not yet been announced.

Franklin, 70, has placed 20 singles on top of the United States R&B charts and has placed 17 songs in the 'overall' Top 10, throughout a 50-plus year career.