The American Idol star and former Voice coach took the stage for the first time at the CMA Awards to perform a riveting SONG that truly took our breath away!
No stranger to country music, Jennifer Hudson recently starred in a biography called Respect – about Aretha Franklin (as Aretha herself).
Anyone who is a fan of country music knows that Ms. Aretha had a profound effect on the genre…while she herself grew up listening to the Grand Ole Opry.
In her early years, Aretha Franklin even covered some of country music’s unforgettable classics like Hank Williams’ “Cold, Cold Heart,” and Willie Nelson’s “Night Life.”
Hudson, who starred in the hit movie adaptation of Dreamgirls, has long been likened to Aretha Franklin for her uncanny vocal resemblance, immeasurable precision, and stunning power. Even Aretha Franklin herself handpicked Jennifer Hudson to portray her in a future biographical film.
True to the rumors, Jennifer Hudson sang a country hit as previously recorded by Aretha: Willie’s “Night Life” — but that wasn’t all! She was also joined by multiple-award winner Chris Stapleton for an amazing “You Are My Sunshine!”