Aretha Franklin, the "Queen of Soul," who was to be the headline performer at a celebration of the Ravens stadium opener Saturday, has canceled, citing health problems.

The team is scrambling to find a replacement and is in talks with "comparable" performers, said David Modell, son of team owner Art Modell.

"We're currently scouring the free agent list to come up with a suitable replacement for her royal highness of soul," Modell said.

Franklin, along with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, was to perform a free concert on the plaza and parking lots north of the new stadium at Camden Yards beginning at 8 p.m. The BSO is still booked, as is a laser light show.

The team received word from Franklin's representatives last week that she may not be able to attend. A confirmation, citing a recommendation from a doctor that she cancel the show, was received yesterday, Modell said.

Barbara Shelley, a Los Angeles-based publicist for Franklin, said, "She said she just couldn't make it and asked that it be canceled."

Shelley said the 56-year-old singer, winner of 17 individual Grammy awards, was not hospitalized.

Pub Date: 9/02/98