Jennifer Hudson and Fred Nelson III Pay Musical Tribute to Late Aretha Franklin on Her 78th Birthday

While being on self-isolation means not being able to go to Church, Jennifer Hudson decided to bring a little light into homes with her rendition of “Amazing Grace.”

It has been a sad couple of days for many countries as numbers of those infected by the COVID-19 pandemic rapidly increases to nearly a million.

HUDSON’S TRIBUTE

Because of the self-isolation, several people are observing, Jennifer Hudson decided to bring Church at home by giving a concert and tribute to the late Aretha Franklin.

Hudson posted a video of herself and Fred Nelson on Instagram, along with a photo alongside the late iconic singer. In the caption, she wrote:

“In honor of it being Sunday and we all have to have Church at home. I thought I post my bday tribute to #Arethafranklin today of amazing grace.”

The movie was in pre-production at the time Franklin died on August 16, 2018, from pancreatic cancer.

The home concert went live on the Instagram of Global Citizen and Hudson, together with videos of other singers who gave free concerts to fight the deadly outbreak.

FRANKLIN’S BIOPIC

Hudson starred as Franklin in the legendary singer’s biopic, “Respect,” which featured the life and legacy of the late entertainer.

The film, directed by award-winning Liesl Tommy, follows the career of Franklin as she reaches stardom, starting from her days as a gospel singer until her world-renowned name.

Other cast members include Mary J. Blige as Dinah Washington, Marlon Wayans as Ted White, Forest Whitaker as C.L. Franklin, and Tituss Burgess as Rev. Dr. James Cleveland.

The Queen of Soul’s most popular songs were also featured in the film, such as “Respect,” “You’ve Got A Friend,” “I Say A Little Prayer,” “(You Make Me Feel Like A) Natural Woman,” and many more.

BECOMING FRANKLIN

Hudson was personally hand-picked by the late singer to play the role. To prepare herself, the “If This Isn’t Love” artist spent time with Franklin before her death.

Hudson shared:

“We were in talks a long time about me playing her. So I just hope I make her proud, do her justice.”

The movie was in pre-production at the time Franklin died on August 16, 2018, from pancreatic cancer. Her death shocked the world and had fans mourning.

During her funeral, Hudson paid tribute to the Queen of Soul, along with several artists such as Faith Hill, Jennifer Holliday, Queen Latifah, Fantasia, and Loretta Divine, as they sand “Amazing Grace.”