Aretha Franklin greeted fans when she was shown on the big board. She recently lost 85 lbs. and boogied down with Benny the Bull at the United Center.
The singer received a standing ovation from the crowd while her famous song "Respect" was playing over the arena's sound system.
Television talk show host Tavis Smiley was also courtside, an indication the stars are coming out as the Bulls rack up the wins.
Derrick Rose scored 23 points in Chicago's seventh straight win, a 98-79 victory over the Washington Wizards on Tuesday night that moved the Bulls into sole possession of first place in the East.
Luol Deng added 20 points and Keith Bogans scored 17, his highest total since joining the Bulls. Bogans took all of his 10 shots from behind the 3-point arc, hitting a season-high five.
(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
