Former US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice duetted with Aretha Franklin at a concert in Philadelphia last night (July 27).

Rice accompanied the veteran soul singer on piano during the three-hour fund-raising concert for urban children.

The ex-politician, who is a classically trained pianist, and Franklin thrilled the audience with renditions of 'My Country' and 'I Say A Little Prayer'.

But critics were left divided, with the Washington Post saying the collaboration had “a kind of goofy brilliance".

According to The Guardian, Franklin told the audience: "We decided to give it a try. So here we are, in the city of Brotherly – and Sisterly – Love."

Rice, a Republican, has previously performed with cellist Yo-Yo Ma.

(by Jason Gregory)