You’d know you’re in “legend” status when a fellow iconic artist is performing in your honor.
In a breathtaking performance, singer and Dreamgirls star, Jennifer Hudson paid tribute to the queen at the 2010 Kennedy Center Honors.
She’s not just any queen but the Queen of Talk herself, Oprah Winfrey.
Hudson mesmerized the audience members with her rendition of “I’m Here.”
Hudson showed her vocal prowess through the song.
The song was made famous by the Broadway hit The Color Purple.
The theater version, “I’m Here” shows the powerful moment where Celie, the main character, affirms her power and independence by accepting who she is and where she came from.
This is a fitting number for Winfrey who struggled so much to achieve the success, influence, and legacy that she’s enjoying now.
Winfrey is considered one of the giants of the entertainment industry.
But things weren’t always this way.
Winfrey was born in rural Mississippi.
Her childhood was tough and if anyone was in her shoes, one couldn’t even dream to make it big.
She also grew up being abused and it pushed her to run away.
She was turned down by the shelter, however, when all the beds were full.
At that point, she was homeless at 14 years old.
Things turned around when she found her father again.
She moved to Nashville and got a scholarship from the Tennessee State University.
At 19, she became the first female African-American news anchor in the city.
In 1984, Winfrey moved to Chicago.
No one expected that it would be the defining moment of her career especially when the opportunity came from a talk show.
The rest was history.
She became one of the most-watched TV show hosts in the country and even had a talkshow named after her.
She brushed elbows with celebrities, government leaders, and changemakers.
Winfrey became an icon to the African-American community, especially for women.
She also dabbled into acting where she took on the role of a civil rights icon in the film Selma.
She also starred in the movie adaptation of The Color Purple as Sofia.
She didn’t stop there.
Deciding she wanted to make a more palpable change, she testified before the US Congress in 1991 and helped promote the National Child Protection Act.
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At the time of her honor, she has already invested $40 million in projects centered on the youth.
She also received the Freedom Award in 2005 for her achievements.
Truly, Hudson’s amazing number left an enthralling mark on the person they were celebrating.
“As Oprah said herself on her show; it’s a religious experience hearing Jennifer Hudson sing,” said one comment.
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“Jennifer Hudson’s voice is so powerful; it would be insulting to have her sing anything that doesn’t project her full voice,” said another.
“When Jennifer sings, she not only tells a story but she makes sure she empties herself on stage. What a moving and captivating performance,” added another.
Watch Jennifer Hudson’s powerful and captivating performance as she paid tribute to the Queen of Talk in the video below!
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