Jennifer Hudson Reveals Her ‘Starstruck’ Moment with Whitney Houston: A Heartfelt Tribute
OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
Jennifer Hudson, renowned for her powerful voice and captivating performances, recently shared a deeply personal and emotional moment from her career: meeting her idol, Whitney Houston. In a candid confession during a virtual game of ‘Never Have I Ever’ with W Magazine, Hudson recounted the overwhelming excitement and awe she felt when she first came face-to-face with the legendary singer, who tragically passed away in February 2012 at the age of 48.
Reflecting on her encounter, Hudson said, “It’s Whitney Houston – I can’t even get up! And I’m just sitting there like, ‘Oh, my god! Oh, my god!'” The experience was profoundly significant for Hudson, who has long cited Houston as one of her biggest inspirations.
In the same video, Hudson shared a light-hearted moment, revealing her participation in a TikTok dance with her 12-year-old son, David. Initially forgetting her foray into the popular social media platform, she admitted, “Never have I ever done a TikTok dance … umm, no, I have. In my kitchen, with my son.”
Hudson’s admiration for Houston goes beyond fanfare; it is deeply rooted in her artistic journey. In 2012, Hudson delivered a poignant rendition of Houston’s iconic hit, ‘I Will Always Love You,’ at the Grammys, paying tribute to the late star. This performance held profound emotional weight for Hudson, who had idolized Houston since childhood.
“As a girl, I’d sit in my momma’s house and sing ‘I Will Always Love You’. That’s why [singing in tribute] was so overwhelming,” Hudson revealed. The moment was not only a tribute but also a significant milestone in Hudson’s career. She shared an intimate backstage conversation with Houston, which has remained a cherished memory. “She came backstage and was like, ‘I turn my torch over to you; you are the one’. I was like, ‘Oh my God! Did anybody else hear that?’”
Hudson’s respect and love for Houston are evident, and she insists she would not have performed the tribute at the Grammys without Houston’s blessing. “Had she not given me her blessing, I would never have stepped on that stage,” Hudson explained.
This heartfelt tribute and Hudson’s recollections highlight the profound impact Whitney Houston had on her and countless other artists. Hudson’s story is a testament to the enduring legacy of Houston’s music and the powerful influence she continues to have on the next generation of performers.
