Jennifer Hudson on Playing Aretha Franklin: The Audition and the Tribute

TLDRJennifer Hudson opens up about the audition process and the tribute performance for Aretha Franklin, highlighting the challenges and her dedication to honoring the iconic singer.

Key insights

🌟Jennifer's performance of Aretha Franklin's songs was a daunting task, considering Aretha's status as a musical legend.

🎤Jennifer drew inspiration and encouragement from Aretha herself, who urged her to take on the role and deliver a powerful performance.

💪Jennifer prepared meticulously for the tribute, studying old footage of Aretha's performances to recreate her essence on stage.

🏆Jennifer's dedication paid off, as she sealed the deal with her audition performance and received Aretha's approval.

🎭Jennifer's ultimate goal was to honor and showcase the impact and talent of Aretha Franklin through her portrayal.

Q&A

How did Jennifer prepare for playing Aretha Franklin?

Jennifer studied old footage of Aretha's performances to understand her style and essence, aiming to recreate them in her tribute.

Did Aretha Franklin personally ask Jennifer to play her in the tribute?

Yes, Aretha Franklin personally asked Jennifer to portray her in the tribute, showcasing her trust and belief in Jennifer's talent.

What was Jennifer's mindset during the audition?

Jennifer considered her tribute performance as her audition to prove herself capable of capturing the essence of Aretha Franklin.

How did Jennifer ensure she showcased the impact of Aretha's talent?

Jennifer aimed to channel Aretha's presence and convey the power and influence of her music in her tribute performance.

What was Jennifer's ultimate goal in playing Aretha Franklin?

Jennifer's ultimate goal was to honor Aretha Franklin and show her immense contribution to the music industry through her portrayal.

Timestamped Summary

00:00Jennifer Hudson reflects on her experience playing Aretha Franklin in a tribute performance.

01:02Jennifer discusses the challenge of performing Aretha's songs, considering her iconic status.

02:55Jennifer shares her mindset during the audition and preparation process.

03:57Jennifer emphasizes her dedication to showcasing the impact of Aretha's talent.

04:41Jennifer recalls her initial meeting with Aretha and her request to play her in the tribute.

10:12Jennifer expresses her gratitude for the opportunity to honor Aretha Franklin.