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Music

Listen: Jennifer Hudson Original Song “Here I Am (Singing My Way Home)”

By FirstLadyB June 18, 2021

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Jennifer Hudson has officially dropped her original new song from the upcoming film RESPECT!

J-Hud is singing her face off on the new single from the Motion Picture Soundtrack.

The single, “Here I Am (Singing My Way Home)” was co-written by Carole King, J-Hud, and Jamie Hartman.

In theaters August 13th, the film follows the rise of Aretha Franklin’s career from a child singing in her father’s church’s choir to her international superstardom, RESPECT is the remarkable true story of the music icon’s journey to find her voice.

Produced by will.i.am for Epic Records, listen to “Here I Am,” below:

Music

Jennifer Hudson Announces New Song “Here I Am” From Respect Movie

By FirstLadyB June 16, 2021

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Jennifer Hudson is dropping a new single “Here I Am” from the upcoming Respect movie this Friday.

“Here I Am” (Singing My Way Home) was co-written by the GOAT herself Carole King.

The song will appear on the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack to RESPECT and serve as the film’s only original song. Hudson was handpicked by Franklin to portray her in the film from MGM, which opens in theaters nationwide on August 13^th. The soundtrack will be available on the same day.

Music is such a living and breathing character in this film, as it was in Ms. Franklin’s life. The process of creating this song was like constructing the greatest tribute I could possibly offer to her spirit. It was the final exhale of this extraordinary project and one that I let out with complete fulfillment. Being able to do so with Carole and Jamie was an incredible privilege. Carole is one of the greatest songwriters of all time and, whether we were trading stories, playing piano together over video conference, or working through lyrics, it was always a masterclass – both in life and music. Jamie and I have collaborated together in the past and it’s always so wonderful to create with him – he is continuously thinking outside of the box in a way that deepens the musical experience in indescribable ways. Our goal was to show that music was always the anchor for Ms. Franklin, in all that she did, and I hope this song illustrates the strength of her voice – both literally and figuratively – which always brought her home.”

Get “Here I Am (Singing My Way Home)” HERE Friday via Epic Records.

Pre-order the Soundtrack HERE.

Celebrity News

Jennifer Hudson and Mastercard Partner To Support Black Women-Owned Businesses

By FirstLadyB February 22, 2021

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Jennifer Hudson and Mastercard team up to support Black women owned businesses who have been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

Last week Mastercard announced the Strivers Initiative, a consumer-facing platform, elevating the visibility of Black female business owners overcoming obstacles to maintain and grow their business, as role models for the community and future generations.

The initiative will include a grant program in partnership with Media Mogul Arian Simone’s Fearless Fund, a VC fund built by women of color for women of color. This will be complemented by a multi-city educational road show driving awareness of the state of women and minority-owned business in cities across the U.S. and providing insights into progressive actions cities can take to foster an equitable business climate.

J-Hud will help kick-off the Strivers Initiative in a new Mastercard spot where Hudson’s rendition of ‘Ain’t No Mountain High Enough’, produced by will.i.am, serves as an anthem for Black women business owners across the country who are paving their Path to Priceless and whose businesses serve as pillars for their communities.

Entertainment

Jennifer Hudson Talks Her Role As Aretha Franklin In Respect Movie

By FirstLadyB October 15, 2020

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Jennifer Hudson covers the November issue of Entertainment Weekly. Inside the publication she talks about her highly anticipated big screen role as Aretha Franklin in the Respect Movie.

She and Franklin would have weekly conversations in preparation for the film before she died, and even though Aretha kept certain things close, “having to experience so much so soon, and then to have to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders, that’s a lot. I can understand that,” Hudson shared with the publication. “I think she grew her shield, her wall, at a very early age, and the way she found to express herself was through her music. That was her outlet.”

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For all that Franklin endured in her formative years, though, there’s one origin-story touchstone you won’t find here: the rags-to-riches rise. Her preacher father, C.L. Franklin “was basically the king of his time, hugely popular and influential, a mentor to Martin Luther King Jr. So she grew up in this household where politics was as normal as singing,” according to screenwriter Tracey Scott Wilson. The movie’s depiction of Aretha’s childhood is filled with Black luminaries of the era; not only MLK, but names like Ella Fitzgerald, Sam Cooke, Dinah Washington (the latter portrayed vividly by Blige). And with the Holy Spirit, too: “Even the tones when C.L. was preaching, you would feel that in her ‘What you want, baby I got it,’” Hudson says, her mezzo-soprano rising casually to meet the classic refrain. “It was always there, you know? Everything from ‘Respect’ to ‘Natural Woman’ to ‘Never Loved a Man,’ it always had that soul, that church, that gospel in it.”

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The Respect movie hits theaters in January 2021.

Entertainment

#ICYMI Jennifer Hudson “A Change Is Gonna Come” DNC 2020

By FirstLadyB August 19, 2020

Jennifer Hudson returned to the DNC on Wednesday night, but this time she performed the Sam Cooke classic “A Change Is Gonna Come.”

It’s an honor to sing for the @demconvention once again !

In 2008 when Barack Obama became the Democratic Presidential nominee, the Chicago native song the National Anthem at the convention.

JHud performed live from the Preston Bradley Hall inside the Chicago Cultural Center.

Entertainment

Jennifer Hudson Is Demanding Respect In New Respect Movie Trailer

By FirstLadyB June 29, 2020

Jennifer Hudson is singing her face off in the new Respect Movie trailer that premiered Sunday night during the epic BET Awards.

Hudson portrays Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin in the upcoming biopic which was originally scheduled to release in August, but was pushed back due to the coronavirus pandemic. It will now have a limited release in the U.S. on Christmas Day, before a full wide release on January 15.

The long-awaited film follows Franklin’s life from singing in her father’s church, to becoming one of the most legendary musicians of all time. The Liesl Tommy-directed film also stars Forest Whitaker, Marlon Wayans, Audra McDonald, Queen Latifah, Mary J. Blige, Marc Maron, Tate Donovan, Tituss Burgess and newcomer Sky Dakota Turner.

Check it out:

Entertainment

Watch: Jennifer Hudson Sings “Moan” LIVE For Oprah COVID-19 Special

By FirstLadyB April 19, 2020

Jennifer Hudson singing self knows how to soothe a soul with her angelic voice.

During Oprah’s “Coronavirus Deadly Impact on Black America Special” on Apple TV + Tuesday night, J Hud did just that!

During the special, Oprah spoke with guests including Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot, and Van Jones, about the deadly virus disproportionate affects on the Black community.

After educating us with words from the wise, Oprah ended her interview sessions with a performance from the Grammy-winning, Chicago native J Hud. The songstress performed a stirring a cappella rendition of her 2014 ballad “Moan.”

“[My mom] would also say. ‘If something hurts, if you moan it will help it feel better,’ so this song always comforts me,” Hudson said.

Entertainment

Jennifer Hudson Sang Her Face Off To Celebrate Aretha Franklin’s Birthday

By FirstLadyB March 27, 2020March 31, 2020

Jennifer Hudson aka JHud paid respect to the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin on what would’ve been her 78th birthday with a powerful rendition of “Amazing Grace.”

Dressed in a gorgeous gold mini dress, JHud went live on Instagram standing beside an organ with her hand on her hip an effortlessly took us to church.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B-LAT_QppZ1/

As most of you probably already know, J Hud is set to play the Queen of Soul in the upcoming Respect Movie (out later this year) which has wrapped production.

The Respect Movie follows the rise of Aretha Franklin’s career from a child singing in her father’s church’s choir to her international superstardom, RESPECT is the remarkable true story of the music icon’s journey to find her voice.

It also stars Forest Whitaker, Marlon Wayans, Audra McDonald, Marc Maron, Tituss Burgess, Saycon Sengbloh, Hailey Kilgore, Tate Donovan, Heather Headley, Skye Dakota Turner, and Mary J. Blige.

Entertainment

Jennifer Hudson Moving Kobe Bryant Tribute During NBA All Star Game

By FirstLadyB February 16, 2020

Jennifer Hudson sang her face off as she paid tribute to Kobe Bryant during the NBA All Star game Sunday night in Chicago.

The Chicago native sang “For All We Know” just before the game started. As images of Kobe and his daughter Gianna were projected on a screen behind her, J-Hud had the crowd at the United Center in tears as she performed an a-capella version of the song.

She was introduced by basketball icon and businessman Magic Johnson, who told attendees he wanted everyone to “come together” to honor Bryant and former NBA Commissioner David Stern, who died on New Year’s Day.

“We will never see another basketball player quite like Kobe,” Johnson said. “He was passionate about being a great father, husband, filmmaker.”

Entertainment

Jennifer Hudson to perform Kobe Bryant tribute at NBA All-Star Game

By FirstLadyB February 13, 2020

Jennifer Hudson is headed home to Chicago for NBA All-Star weekend to perform a tribute to Kobe Bryant, the NBA has announced.

Another Chicago native, Chaka Khan, has been tapped to sing the national anthem at the game, while Chance The Rapper, Lil Wayne, DJ Khaled and Quavo of the group Migos are slated for the halftime show.

Also, Dwayne Wade and Common, who are also from The Chi are scheduled to announce the lineup as well as judge the slam dunk contest, along with former Chicago Bulls star Scottie Pippen. No word yet on if Michael Jordan is headed back to the Madhouse on Madison aka the United Center where the all star game will be played on Sunday.

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I’m HOME! Just touched down at the Crib for @NBAAllStar Weekend 2020. I’m Geeked! The game hasn’t been here since 1988. Let’s show the world a good time Chicago. Also, the COMMON & FRIENDS SATURDAY NIGHT AFTERPARTY is on Saturday night click the link in bio for tix!

A post shared by Common (@common) on Feb 12, 2020 at 2:24pm PST

Fashion

Jennifer Hudson Covers Modern Luxury December Issue

By FirstLadyB November 23, 2019March 31, 2020

Jennifer Hudson talks her role in CATS, and her starring role in the upcoming Aretha Franklin biopic in the December Issue of Modern Luxury Magazine.

On December 20th J-Hud stars as Grizabella in the CATS movie. Grizabella is a former feline beauty who is now older, mangier and painfully lonely. “Every time she appears on stage, you wonder, ‘What’s her story? What happened to her?’” Jennifer shared with the publication. One highlight of the movie will be when Jennifer sings the song “Memory.” “I can’t say singing it was easy,” she revealed. “I was excited, but also thinking, ‘Oh, my God, this is an iconic song.’”

On playing Aretha Franklin in the upcoming biopic “Respect,” due out in 2020. “Every day is dedicated to that right now,” Hudson says from her home in Chicago. “Ms. Franklin deserves it. I want to do her justice. I am actually just about to go into an acting session right now.” And off she goes, but not before defining her own version of respect. “I could be singing down the street around the corner or at the White House, I would respect them both the same.”