Christina Aguilera Jennifer Hudson 2011 Grammy Awards Aretha Franklin Tribute

Aguilera’s shot at redemption may come sooner than we thought: Under-siege singer Christina Aguilera will combine vocals with slimmed-down R&B diva Jennifer Hudson and three as-yet-unannounced artist from various genres in a performance that will open this weekend’s 53rd Annual Grammy Awards.

The two singers have been tapped to pay tribute to soul singer Aretha Franklin with a lively performance of some of The Queen of Soul’s most iconic songs.

Franklin, who is allegedly battling inoperable pancreatic cancer, will appear during the telecast via a pre-recorded segment taped in her hometown of Detroit. Ms. Ree remains on break from public appearances through May as she quietly undergoes medical treatment. The 68-year-old powerhouse — the most-awarded woman in Grammy history — is up for the Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals prize for her Ron Isley-assisted duet “You’ve Got a Friend.”

Catch all the must-see moments when music’s biggest night airs live from The Staples Center in Los Angeles this Sunday, Feb. 13 @ 8 PM EST on CBS.