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Taylor Swift Overwhelmed As Aretha Franklin Serenades Her With 'Happy Birthday' (VIDEO)

WATCH: Taylor Swift 'Overwhelmed' By Legend's Surprise Birthday Serenade
The Huffington Post UK
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Taylor Swift has marked her 25th birthday in unique fashion, being serenaded by soul legend Aretha Franklin, no less.

This year's biggest star was sitting on stage when she was surprised by host Matt Lauer with the news that Aretha and pop star Ariana Grande were going to sing for her.

Microphones were handed to both, but once Aretha started singing, Ariana wisely let her have the floor, and it was magnificent.

The birthday girl admitted afterwards she had been overwhelmed by this gesture, tweeting:

"Aretha Franklin just sang 'Happy Birthday' to me and it will take me decades to recover. #goals"

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Taylor Swift was visibly moved by Aretha's surprise performance for her

The surprise happened at the Billboard Women in Music luncheon on Friday, one day before Taylor's landmark birthday, where she also scooped the award for Billboard Woman of the Year.

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Aretha's voice was in fine form

She told the crowd, "Being named Billboard Woman of the Year for a second time is this amazing early birthday present.

"I turn 25 at midnight tonight, and I fully intend to celebrate like it's 1989 [the title of her latest album]. I knew it was a bad joke when I wrote it, and I just did it anyway!"

Taylor Swift Turns 25
At The 2014 Billboard Women In Music Luncheon(01 of23)
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The laser-cut skirt is EVERYTHING. (credit:Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)
At The 2014 KIIS FM's Jingle Ball(02 of23)
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Gold and black are the colours for the holiday season. Of course, Tay is all over it. (credit:Rob Latour/Invision/AP)
At The 2014 KIIS FM's Jingle Ball(03 of23)
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Tay looks festive in this black sequin two-piece. (credit:John Shearer/Invision/AP)
In New York City(04 of23)
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Prada bag? Check. Gorgeous oversized blue coat? Check. Perfect winter style? Check. (credit:Ignat/Bauer-Griffin via Getty Images)
In New York City(05 of23)
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That outfit is all about the plaid coat. (credit:Raymond Hall via Getty Images)
At The American Music Awards(06 of23)
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A sleek and sexy Michael Kors gown is the quintessential minimalist dress. (credit:Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)
In New York City(07 of23)
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Tay took a cue from Blake Lively and rocked a gorgeous blanket coat. (credit:Vantagenews.co.uk/IPx)
In New York City(08 of23)
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Ok we need that sweater. Now. (credit:Vantagenews.co.uk/IPx)
In New York City(09 of23)
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Those tights, though! (credit:Vantagenews.co.uk/IPx)
At "Good Morning America"(10 of23)
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She looks like a Faberge egg, in the best way of course. (credit:Greg Allen/Invision/AP)
At The We Can Survive Concert(11 of23)
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High-waisted shorts have never looked so good. (credit:Todd Williamson/Invision/AP)
At The 2014 MTV Video Music Awards (12 of23)
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Only T Swizzle could get away with wearing a Mary Katrantzou onesie at the VMAs. (credit:Matt Sayles/Invision/AP)
At "The Giver" Premiere(13 of23)
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Simple elegance at its finest. (credit:Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)
At The Teen Choice Awards(14 of23)
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Tay keeps rocking two-pieces like it ain't no thang. (credit:Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)
In New York City(15 of23)
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We love everything about this peach ensemble. That loose t-shirt belongs in our wardrobe. (credit:mpi67/MediaPunch/IPx)
At The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show(16 of23)
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Angels? What angels? Tay stole the show in this lace number. (credit:Samir Hussein via Getty Images)
In New York City(17 of23)
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Tay kills it in a floral jumpsuit and a dainty purse. (credit:MPI67/MediaPunch/IPx)
In New York City(18 of23)
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Pastel separates will be huge next year. (credit:mpi67 / MediaPunch/MediaPunch/IPx)
At The Met Gala(19 of23)
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Bringing the drama to the red carpet! (credit:Charles Sykes/Invision/AP)
At The Academy of Country Music Awards(20 of23)
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A thigh-high slit gives this monochrome ensemble a much-needed edge. (credit:Al Powers/Powers Imagery/Invision/AP)
At The Vanity Fair Oscar Party(21 of23)
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She could totally fit right in on "Dynasty." (credit:Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)
At The Grammy Awards(22 of23)
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One of our favourite looks of the year. (credit:Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)
At The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show After Party(23 of23)
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It's all about that leg. (credit:Pascal Le Segretain via Getty Images)

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