Jennifer Hudson Honors Oprah At The Kennedy Center

Published: Wednesday 29th Dec 2010 by Trent

Jennifer Hudson recently hit the stage at the 33rd annual Kennedy Center Honors to perform a tribute to Oprah Winfrey. Alongside the Tennessee State University choice, the rising diva delivered a rendition of ‘I’m Here’ from the iconic play ‘The Color Purple’. Check out her performance below:

There is a clearly defined line between being a powerful singer and simply being loud. Unfortunately for Hudson, she ventured into the territory of the latter with this performance. In fact, there were several moments in this showing that she was literally yelling  at the microphone with all of the veins in her now slender neck on the verge of explosion.

Whitney Houston had one of the most powerful voices in recorded music but what truly made her special was understanding how to use that gift. That is the difference between being gifted with a great voice and having the talent to use it.

Hudson needs to realise that every song doesn’t require her to scream for dear life like ‘And I’m Telling You’. Effie got her Oscar so now it’s time to put that character aside.

Thoughts?

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  1. BEE December 29, 2010

    Both her and Christina Aguilera…smh

  2. Renae December 29, 2010

    That wasn’t bad, sounded like a song for Sunday morning though or a funeral.

  3. Jonathan says REALLY? December 29, 2010

    Trent i disagree with you on this showing, I think you need to stick to doing what you do best and leave the criticizing to people who really know music. She made that song her own and all the notes where on point. She didn’t yell anymore than fantasia does when she sings the song. HAVE A GOOD DAY EVERYONE!

  4. James_9481 December 29, 2010

    *SCREAMS* YASSSSSSSS J-HUD!! Gimme that s***!!

    Whatever if she was shouting!!

    SHOUT THAT S*** AT ME B****!!!!!!!

    YASSSSSSSS!! AMEN SISTER!!

  5. tj December 29, 2010

    Perhaps we were not listening to the same thing. This performance was absolutely wonderful. From the first time I heard her sing……… until now, she has been nothing but stellar in her performances. Do you know music?????? or is this a BLACK THING? I’m sure if this was Barbara Streisand or Celine Dion singing, your comments would have been different.

  6. Renee December 29, 2010

    THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! Trent I agree with you 100% on your observation of Jennifer Hudson in this clip and on the Dreamgirls’ song. However, truth be told, Jennifer Holiday (the original Effie) screamed her way through the song too. Jennifer has a great singing voice. There is no doubt about that. But, she need to have that voice TRAINED. Once she has her vocals under control, then she really will be an amazing vocalist to listen to. Whitney Houston, as you stated in your post, had the natural gift to actually sing a song without all the yelling. Jennifer, Christina, and yes even Beyonce, have the tendency to scream portions of a song – usually near the bridge – instead of singing it.

  7. CHECKMATE December 29, 2010

    Hudson is a gospel singer first. Unfortunately she gospelizes everything with the church screaming and yelling. Very good singer but not great as Trent pointed out. The say she’s a size 4 now?? Still looks a bit thick! Her arms look a size 10.. just sayin.

  8. SupaCi December 29, 2010

    Too bad Fantasia is still on her Back To Me Tour or she could’ve performed it.

    Jen did a nice job, but it doesn’t compare to Fantasia’s rendition. She lacks the emotional connection to the song that Fantasia has and thats the difference. Fantasia will ALWAYS be a better singer than Jen because of this. Jen may have a clear and “prettier” tone (Fantasia’s raspiness is her most liked and hated trait), but clear and pretty tones aren’t useful unless you’re able to evoke emotions (like Patti LaBelle & Whitney Houston).

  9. Yvette Hicks December 29, 2010

    Anyone that has a negative comment about Jennifer Hudson needs to reevaluate themselves. She appears to be a very positive and inspirational role model and she knows she is blessed. If she sings loudly so what, get over it and when someone lets you sing at a award show; holla at me!

  10. gfhfgh December 29, 2010

    “Mocha & Milk” is a perfect match like “black & white” people

    ❤ ____ Bla c kw h it eF li rts. C” 0- M _____ ❤

    The most successful interra cial da t ing c lub. If you are still waiting for your sweet “milk”, don’t hesitate to check it !! Don’t let your babies wait too long for you !!

  11. Shaun December 29, 2010

    I am sorry…you can always come to the black sight to read bashing of a black singer…smh. Anywhoo she must be doing something right because she is always getting some of the biggest gigs. Jennifer’s rendition of this song was and is hers and it was a very moving one. Finely done Jennifer…you are a great and awesome talent. Looking forward to seeing you sticking around and watching you develop into an one of the mainstay artist of our time.

  12. kesha December 29, 2010

    All i have to say is yes…she did a wonderful job with this song. I agree with Yvette…when someone calls one of you to sing at one of the many major events she is doing then holla!!!! Enough said!!!!!

  13. Leon December 29, 2010

    I agree Jennifer is a very positive person…you can see that anytime you see her. Her energy from within definitely shows up on th outside. We can be so negative…but eyyy I guess it is all good. Look at Jennifer…what she is doing speaks for itself. Sing it like you feel Jennifer the world obviously loves you and so do I. You are definitely a blessing to this world and God will only continue to great things through you. Never mind the nay sayers, it is your time and there is nothing anyone can do about it!!!!

  14. Beystanbish December 29, 2010

    Lol

  15. June Bug December 29, 2010

    Many people criticize J-Hud because whatever she sings sounds like a broadway show tune…and its true…I always thought she was raised up to be the other Beyonce..face it..if Beyonce wasnt in Dreamgirls we wouldnt be talking about J-who..

    The only one in Whitney’s lane is Mariah..Whitney can whisper a song and sing notes..thats the difference…

  16. CHECKMATE December 29, 2010

    Jennifer Holliday is the original and still the best at this type of singing style. Bar none! Let’s not forget that. 2nd, the difference between Whitney Houston and Jhud is Whitney is able to utilize her voice for different genres and make it sound real and believable. Whether it’s rnb, pop, soul, blues, gospel or jazz you see and believe when she sings. The first big cross over artist. Jhud is not.

  17. SparkD December 29, 2010

    I love Jen and her new song on Weight Watchers, which showed her vocal improvement.

    But this should have been left of Fantasia! Sorry!

  18. Lew December 29, 2010

    I am in agreement about her voice on most songs, but I think this performance was the perfect venue for her to belt like she did. It’s an emotional song and she gave a fantastic performance.

  19. TIMMI December 29, 2010

    I thought that was AMAZING, I don’t know what Trent was listening to. This women is the definition of a SANGER and is one of the only ones we actually have in this generation.

    I still can’t get over how amazing Jen looks.

    Jen is such an inspirational person, she has so much determination, strength and power, not just in her voice but as a person.

  20. crbb December 29, 2010

    fantasia’s version was so elegant and emotional…i didnt feel it with this one, just screaming shouting and yelling and a mid high note that didnt belong in the song /: typical jennifer hudson..has to be extra with every single song she sings

  21. DAGRATEN8 December 29, 2010

    I DIDNT LIKE THIS PERFORMANCE MUCH….IT WAS TOO BIG OF A SONG FOR HER…UNFORTUNATELY. SHE DIDNT HAVE THE VOCAL CONTROL LIKE FANTASIA TO KILL IT. SHE SANG IT IN THE SAME ARRANGEMENT AS FANTASIA AND IT FLOPPED TO ME.

    FANTASIA SHOULDA BEEN THERE–BETCHU OPRAH WOULDA BEEN IN TEARS JUST LIKE ON HER SHOW…DAM ANTWAN SMH

  22. 1prettyblackgirl December 29, 2010

    I think J Hud did a great job vocal range was on point. Not many singers today can hold powerful notes as she did.

  23. Blue Kid December 29, 2010

    Hearing this song makes me think of her family tragedy, I can never get that out of my mind especially her young nephew, people can call it what they want, it wad devastating, and it changed her life for ever.

    This is a mean and cruel world, there is a battle going on here between good and evil, and it matters not how much money you have, people are not happy with their lives and there is more misery in the world than gladness.

    Oprah face says a million words and I saw know happiness there what so ever. I can’t say how J.H feels and if she is an positive person are not, because I don’t know her and I could careless what the other white sites or non-urban sites are saying, Trent is entitled to his opinion.. These people are getting their rewards on earth because they don’t believe there is a heaven. They believe in crystals and such.
    Anywhoooooo Good morning TGJ!

  24. norma December 29, 2010

    Jhud did a super job. To say she was loud is a LIE and the truth is no where near you. All you HATERS need to get a grip and come aboard. Jen Hudson is the real deal and thats all it is. The young multi-talented super star is a class act and she delivered big time for Oprah. Classy events chose classy people. They both go hand and hand. Fantasia owned this song in the play, but Jennifer Hudson owned it last night honoring her mentor. I am still saying Jhud is the best female vocalist in the business today hands down.

  25. tee December 29, 2010

    I wonder why Fantasia didnot perform it. I like JHud but didn’t like this performance. I think Fanny would have been better, but maybe her trademark taking the shoes off would have raised some eyebrows.
    Anyway, JHud looks fantastic but that is enough weight loss. Anymore and she will look sickly.

  26. Denise December 29, 2010

    Tonight America watched as the Kennedy Center Honors acknowledged five individuals from the performing arts who have made lifetime contributions. The honorees were Merle Haggard, Paul McCartney, Oprah Winfrey, Bill T. Jones, and Jerry Herman.

    In honor of Oprah Winfrey, the talented performer Jennifer Hudson took to the stage to perform ‘I’m Here’ from the Oprah produced Broadway Musical ‘The Color Purple.’ Hudson was joined by the Tennessee State Musical choir which brought a whole new depth to the single and was extremely moving.

    Seriously moved by the performance, all of the honorees as well as the crowd in the auditorium gave the choir and Jennifer Hudson a standing ovation.

  27. Lioness December 29, 2010

    Where is Fantasia?

  28. goser December 29, 2010

    Different singers have different styles. Different does not always mean one is better or worse than the other. However being a “sanger” does not always mean that you have to raise the roof every time you open your mouth. (yes Fantasia is guilty of that at times) its about making the words that are on a piece of paper come to life, its about conveying the feelings and the emotions of the writer in song. Fantasia DOES that with this song. JENNIFER DID NOT, yes she can holler but when she said “Yes I’m beautiful and I’m Here” no emotion what so ever.
    If you want to here how it should be sung go and look at Fantasia’s version at the Tony Awards

  29. The Truth December 29, 2010

    I think she did okay. To me she did not scream all the way through. She tried to capture some of the emotional parts of the song. Jen is a great singer lots of range but at times it’s all over the place. She has great range.

  30. Blue Kid December 29, 2010

    The Truth

    December 29, 2010 at 4:10 pm

    I think she did okay. To me she did not scream all the way through. She tried to capture some of the emotional parts of the song. Jen is a great singer lots of range but at times it’s all over the place. She has great range.
    **************************************************************************
    I agree 100%, and If feel like know one is hating on JH, just giving an opinion.

    I don’t want to be honored on this evil world there is no satisfaction.

  31. Cherayla December 29, 2010

    ok so this is my first time commenting on this site ( i think) but I have been listening to Fanny sing “i’m here” at the Tony Awards on youtube since she did it. I also saw her sing it live on Broadway. I’m not sure what it is about Fanny’s voice but she evokes an emotional connection JHud (no matter how powerful) just doesn’t . I’m not sure if she just can’t tap in to that emotion when she sings or if Fanny’s gift is just different, but Fanny absolutely KILLS this song over & over again. JHud sounds contrived. PS I have a Bachelor’s in music performance.

  32. leeng December 29, 2010

    I think Jen did okay but TASIA owns that song hands down i believe she was on tour the night they recorded this and she can keep her shoes on LOL…..

  33. mememememe December 29, 2010

    Putting Yeah Yeah yeah in every song you sing is not putting emotion in a song. If you heard Fantasia sing one song you have heard her sing them all. I never got the hype around her voice.

  34. Emmi3 December 29, 2010

    think trent had a bad day,,,hes trippin again :S this was f****** awesome…

  35. CanCan December 29, 2010

    Fantasia does not play with this song. You can feel her when she sings it, and she will have you in TEARS. I did not like Jennifer”s voice for this song.

  36. Rd December 29, 2010

    I like Jenny alot, yes she’s more polished and more together to the natural eye… BUT FANTASIA merrrrrrkks this song. Hands down.. Jennifer is missing that emotion … She over sings alot of her stuff… She looks sensational though… But no one sings this like fantasia (at the tony awards) …. I prefer fantasias version…

  37. Blue Kid December 29, 2010

    Cherayla

    December 29, 2010 at 4:16 pm

    ok so this is my first time commenting on this site ( i think) but I have been listening to Fanny sing “i’m here” at the Tony Awards on youtube since she did it. I also saw her sing it live on Broadway. I’m not sure what it is about Fanny’s voice but she evokes an emotional connection JHud (no matter how powerful) just doesn’t . I’m not sure if she just can’t tap in to that emotion when she sings or if Fanny’s gift is just different, but Fanny absolutely KILLS this song over & over again. JHud sounds contrived. PS I have a Bachelor’s in music performance.
    ***************************************************************************
    I’m riding with you on this one!

  38. remmy December 29, 2010

    I’ve always said that about her…she is a screamer…which really sucks cuz I like her but I CAN’T listen to her sing…its like a crying baby…I still love girl…god bless you with much success:)

  39. O leDoIt December 29, 2010

    Trent you are incorrect. If you stop hating for just a moment you would be able to see that this was an amazing performance. This will always and forever belong to Fantasia because NO ONE can do it like her but Jennifer did a beautiful rendition of the song. Trent why wont you let her be great?!

  40. f.L.y December 29, 2010

    ummm Trent have a Seat, and Sam should have done this review cuz he knows REAL SANGERS! and She SANG That song that was the first performance i’ve seen from her that it was heartfelt and she was just screaming she made the song her own and she looked stunning and sounded Amazing.. Your on own TRENTatisha!

  41. Tina December 29, 2010

    No thanks, Jennifer. I prefer Fantasia!

  42. Angela December 29, 2010

    I agree Jen did yell out at times… Fantasia sings this perfectly

  43. TIMMI December 29, 2010

    Fantasia’s version at the Tony awards and it was great. It gave me goosebumps.

    I still think Jen did a good job though.. People are saying this performance isn’t good because they’re comparing it to the greatest. Just because you prefer another version that you deem better doesn’t mean any other version is not good too.

  44. TIMMI December 29, 2010

    *I watched Fantasia’s version at the Tony awards and it was great.

  45. Oggie December 29, 2010

    What a beautiful and amazing performance, it takes a lot to do a song like this when Fantasia had done it first and Jennifer stood up to the plate

  46. Little Kimberly DAMNIT December 29, 2010

    Apparently lots of you know nothing about singing. Jennifer hits all these notes, effortlessly. Whitney Houston, mariah Carey, fantasia can only dream. As you can see, there is no straining or struggling it is all coming from thestomach. If you watch fantasias performance, she ALWAYS has a bit of a hard time getting through the song. Ppl hate on Jenn cause they don’t understand her vocal range. The notes that your faves have a hard time keeping up with, Jenn is singing them for lunch. I’m not sayin she’s the best but none of the aforementioned can compare when it comes to singing live notes, and singing correctly. All them other chicks be straining n struggling and yall know it

  47. omg December 29, 2010

    Fantasia would have smashed it!…… She would have had everyone crying!!!
    Still Love J. Hud Thou

  48. Kang December 29, 2010

    I never got the hype over Hudson. You can go to any black church and here 25 other singers who sound just like her. Her voice ain’t unique. It is not POWERFUL, but Straight up LOUD.

    Jazmin Sullivan, Fantasia, and Hell even Beyonce >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Jennifer Hudson

    Jennifer Hudson can’t control her voice at all and does nothing but scream her ass off.

  49. TRUTH TELLER December 29, 2010

    @DAGRATEN8

    Antwaun Cook had nothing to do with Fantasia not singing for Oprah.lolololololol! She was on tour, in Houston Texas to be exact (December 5th). She is one person. If she wasn’t on tour, I bet she would have been there to sing and Oprah would have been in tears!!

    I love JHudson and she did a very good job but no one can sang it like Fantasia!

  50. spring December 29, 2010

    AWESOME!
    Trent, Ummm. . . what you talking bout plzzzz ?

  51. anthony December 29, 2010

    i think jen did a really good job. i’ve seen this on broadway and it was actually a great show. of course people are going to say Fanny did it better because it was made popular by fanny’s verison, but i think that both girls did an amazing job! if fanny was in the audience i’m sure she would have stood up and clapped for jen.

  52. WATEVA December 29, 2010

    jeen just shut that shiii down!!
    Trent you need to clean your ears

  53. TRUTH TELLER December 29, 2010

    @Little Kimberly DAMNIT

    lolololololololol! You must be damn delusional!! You stated:

    Jennifer hits all these notes, effortlessly. Whitney Houston, mariah Carey, fantasia can only dream.

    Like I said you must be damn delusional!!

    No one can sang this song like Fantasia! According to you Fantasia struggles to sing this song, DELUSIONAL!! No sweety, when Fantasia sings, she sings with EMOTION, which is why when she’s done, she leaves others in the audience in tears. Oprah WAS NOT in tears after JHudson got done. Don’t get me wrong, JHudson did an awesome job, but to say that JHudson hits notes that the above artist can only dream, STOP BEING DELUSIONAL!!!

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIbgFc9TLaY

    I get goosebumps listening to this! Can’t say the same for JHudson’s version!

  54. TJ December 29, 2010

    Ok…. Sorry, but Jennifer Sang the hell out of this song… PERIOD…. Trent you are a sorry ass f** who does not now or recognize good music… She wasn’t YELLing, she was SINGING. Get over your Biased, rant. She wasn’t trying to TOP Fantasia, or anything like that… She made it her own… Jennifer is her OWN artist, and she stays in her OWN lane… PERIOD…

  55. TJ December 29, 2010

    And Yes, FYI I have see Fantasia do this song LIVE… I saw her on Broadway… She is AMAZING… I refuse to compare the two. It isn’t necessary… Its basically Fantasia’s song (It isn’t really because it was sung by someone else before Fantasia took the role…I saw the play before Fantasia took the role too) So, Yes… they both do an amazing job.

  56. ~aMaZiNG.Lee~ December 29, 2010

    FANTASIA>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Jennifer

    ALL F****** DAY!

    Jennifer is OVERRATED as f***! I can’t understand why people think she’s such an amazing singer when all she does is SCREAM through her throat! Not to mention, people put her in the category of Whitney, Aretha, Mariah, etc. PUH-LEASE!

  57. TRUTH TELLER December 29, 2010

    I love both artists! Both are exceptional in their craft, but this song here belongs to Fantasia!

    Example, When Keyshia Cole sang Airplanes and I heard the original version, the singing part belong to the original singer not Keyshia Cole, even though she did a great job!

    Let’s also remember both are friends and they support one another. So I am sure JHUDSON asked Fantasia if it was ok, even though she can’t sing it like Fantasia can!

  58. John December 29, 2010

    People nobody is saying she can´t sing or something but I totally agree with Trent.
    Comparing anyone to the likes of Whitney is cruel though lol

  59. TheMan4U December 29, 2010

    i agree Fantasia was better but J-Hud is the closest thing we have to Whitney Houston of this generation, Not Mariah, Beyonce, mary , Xtina or Leona have the total package, Range, power, tone and Control that Whitney had. they all are great at certain things, but J-Hud is the closest to Whitney she has all those qualities she just hasn’t learned how to bring them all together, but she is getting way better from where she started from. You can see her control getting better from the Whitney tributes

  60. jojo December 29, 2010

    ummm no jennifer was f****** amazing ………………..nobody is like whitney and becoming loud to reach a note is great if you reach the note …jeniffer did great

    u love mariah —-that b**** is a hot mess with her whispering singing and then hitting that one super high note

    u say christina is screamer yet she cn outsing mariah(without screaming),jennifer,fantasia, and of course beyonce

    but regardless jennifer did amazing

  61. stan December 29, 2010

    jen has the voice, but the emotions aren’t quite there yet. fantasia straight up KILLS it everytime she performs that song–she played celie, so she completely understood what the character went through and it simply shows.

  62. Michael December 29, 2010

    Im sorry, I have to disagree. THAT WAS AMAZING! Some songs require over-singing and that is one of them, it’s from the Color Purple for God’s sake. I loved it. And my Grandma Oprah looked very pleased.

  63. Kang December 29, 2010

    @THEMAN4U

    Um No…

    Jennifer Hudson Tone Is Ugly unlike Whitney’s?
    Her Range is nowhere near as impressive as Whitney?
    What Control does she have over her voice?
    And Her voice is not Powerful, it is Loud. People seem to get the two mixed up.

    Like I Said

    Jazmin Sullivan, Fantasia, and Hell even Beyonce >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> Jennifer Hudson.

    I don’t even like Beyonce, but there is no denying that girl has a wide range, undeniable control, and power. Her tone is not my cup of tea though.

    Jazmin Sullivan and Fantasia would sing circles around Jennifer Hudson.

  64. calli December 29, 2010

    If you knew anything about TRUE vocal training you would know that everything you just said is wring…sing from your stomach lolz, that the first thing they teach you NOT to do

  65. calli December 29, 2010

    You sing from your diaphram not your stomach…ppl kill me

  66. calli December 29, 2010

    @ jojo
    I dislike Beyonce, but to say christina is better is insane…just cuz she screams and over sings everything doesn’t make her better than Beyonce…I”d rather listen to Bee over her anyday…this coming from someone doesn’t even like her…

  67. quanberg December 29, 2010

    I agree this is a good rendition but it lack the soul and power. the emotions are just lacking for me, she does scream too damn much in every single song got damn control that s*** yo !!! but overall wonderful

  68. Ariana December 29, 2010

    Why are some people calling Trent a hater? He was just giving his opinion and I don’t think he was disrespectful, I actually agree with him. Jennifer would be a much better singer if she tone down her voice just a little bit, Christina could take that suggestion as well.
    None’s saying JHud isn’t a great one, but she could be miles better if she’d stop the screaming; IMO

  69. MuzikJunkie! December 29, 2010

    I LOVE J-Hud. but nobody and I mean NOBODY can sang this song like Fantasia! Tasia sings the HELL outta this song and she put sooo much emotion into the song! I mean Jennifer wasn’t that bad, but Fantasia would’ve KILLED it!

  70. TheMan4U December 29, 2010

    KANG, i didnt say she was as good as whitney i said she was the closest to whitney.

    she has a nice range and she has been learning control, look at her tribute to whitney. and u are crazy to say she doesnt have power, she has shown that alot

  71. Corey December 29, 2010

    I don’t think Jennifer Hudson over singed. There is no comparison with Fantasia and Jennifer Hudson they are two different artists. YES! They sing the same genre of music but Jennifer Hudson would be in the class of gladys Knight where as Fantasia would be more like Aretha Franklin, with all the riffs the Fantasia adds. Jennifer did a beautiful job

  72. ~aMaZiNG.Lee~ December 29, 2010

    ^^^^^WTF? Jennifer in the class of Gladys Knight? OH HELL NO!

  73. Jose December 29, 2010

    I think she was absolutely amazing!!! She has one of the most powerfull voices ever!

  74. Leave It At This… December 29, 2010

    I will be honest and say that I am a Fantasia fan first and Jennifer fan second. But, I can also give people credit. Jennifer sang it very well, in my opinion. (Also, if you watched Fantasia’s version as much as I have, you will notice that every once in a while Jen will sing some of Fantasia’s runs. But, that’s JUST an observation.) Also, if it sounds like Jen is screaming, it could very well be because she put the song into a higher key. I don’t understand why Jen made the song higher, because I think the original key is perfect for anyone to sing. Lastly, the emotion that people feel from singers will always be subjective. I personally feel Fantasia’s version more than Jennifer’s, but that doesn’t mean that Jen lacked emotion either. It basically comes down to the type of singer you like, and I’m not talking vocally. Either you like singers that are, in general, more reserved like Jen or more in your face like Tasia. It’s all a matter of opinion, not a matter of fact.

    ***FYI: Fantasia was on tour in Houston the night (December 5th) this was taped. So, if Tasia couldn’t perform it, who do you think Oprah would call as a fill in? Not Lady Gaga, I’ll tell you that much…

  75. Tonya December 29, 2010

    I’m sorry, but I disagree with Trent…I’ve just listened to both Fantasia and Jennifer’s version of this song live on youtube, and Jennifer Hudson’s version is way better! It was polished and professional. Fantasia sounds like a whiny baby…all she does is scream YEA YEA YEA every chance she gets, and people think its slaying a song…Jennifer’s voice is prettier and she sang it two octaves higher (SHE SOUNDED AMAZING in my opinion). Don’t take my word for it, just watch the crowd of rich white folks at the end lol (WOW’s and STANDING OVATIONS)!

  76. TRUTH TELLER December 30, 2010

    Thank you RD!

    TGJ- WHY IS MY PREVIOUS COMMENT STILL IN MODERATION????

    Thank You!

  77. TPC December 30, 2010

    Some of the comments are ridiculous – opinions given as if they were an objective fact. Its not, its just an opinion and personal preference. I’ve now listened to both Fantasia’s and Jennifer’s performances, both are incredible, but I preferred Jennifer’s performance. They are both gifted singers. Clearly the people in the audience thought she did an incredible job, which is all that matters.

  78. UGh December 30, 2010

    Trent, you’re tripping. She sounds fine.

    sidenote: she better stop loosing weight that underarm fat is not cute

  79. Kahari December 30, 2010

    Jennifer Hudson’s rendition of “I’m Here” was vocally rambunctious and blaring. She has made herself known in the music industry for having a powerhouse vocal ability as she widely belts from the depths of her spirit. Without a doubt, Jennifer is a church singer who can handle dramatic roles like “And I’m Telling You, I’m Not Going.” But, this is her downfall; because of her ability to over sing (with her frequent injections of gospelized cinematic vocal melismas), it can be a bit overbearing. But, we can’t deny her voice, though, she can be a soul stirring vocalist. But, the performance she gave above was a little lukewarm for me. I see when she performed the song last night on television, and honey, I had to turn my head and put on ‘Tasia’s version. Fanasia’s high alto, her vocal aerobatics, her overall expression lifted my spirits high into the sky and carried my emotions. What Jennifer Hudson may lack in personality, she gains points solely on her vocal ability. Fantasia, however, has relatability and the gift of song. Fantasia’s strengths are lyricism, story-telling, vocal range, musciality and extemporaneous vocal imagination—she sets her audience free through music. Jennifer Hudson’s music is secondary in my opinion. J-Hud will continue to sell records because she has built a fan base soley on her voice, but I doubt they she will have the ability to diversify her music because she her gift is a curse. People will expect that lightening roar of hers in every song. To each is own, though… 🙂

  80. antertain December 30, 2010

    Fantasia defo captures the emotion of the song more BUT Jennifer did a GREAT job.

    With all the plastic voices out there in the industry it’s a shame we look past REAL powerful true vocalist like Jennifer Hudson.

    Jennifer is a soulful singer and should stay that way.

    Excellent Job!

  81. Tru Voice December 30, 2010

    First off.. “Whitney had” ??????? She still has. It may be a deeper tone but she still has “it.” Watch and see Janurary 30, 2011 on BET at the Celebration of Gospel.

  82. CJ December 31, 2010

    I honestly think that she did a good job with the song. I didn’t feel or see the same emotional connection that Fantasia has with the song when she sings it. I really wish Fantasia had song. She slays that song every time.

  83. Rob Lail December 31, 2010

    Wow are you clueless. Hopefully you are not educated in understanding talent. Maybe I should give you the benefit of the doubt that you haven’t had your ears cleaned out in quite a while. Won’t be reading what you have to say too often.

  84. Adrienne December 31, 2010

    Jennifer, Please don’t ever try to sing this song again.

  85. j. blackwater January 2, 2011

    You negative people are hater mother f&^%$$$ who can’t hold a tune. So what is your comment worth, nothing. Jennifer blew this song away. She has poise and grace and a set of pipes that no one out there has. She did not come to the Kennedy Center with her whole family of 20 ghetto wanabee family members. Whitney had the pipes and smoked them away. Fantasia can sing but sometimes she sound life a munchkin. She talk the way she sing. Which is not a good quality. She need to dis-associate her business life from her family and stop letting her family try and climb the success ladder through her. Then she should concentrate on more voice lessons . You never stop the lessons because you won idol. Clive Davis will not make the money off of her that he makes from Jennifer Hudson. Don’t be surprise if Fantasia change labels soon. In the music business it is ok to be humble but don’t be a fool. Sometimes your family can be your savoir or your worst disease.

  86. mark January 4, 2011

    You clearly have no idea what you are talking about. Only a person who had the volume on their tv on mute could say that Jennifer was screaming that song.

  87. real music January 5, 2011

    First of all I want to get right to the point there are no real singer out here right now. All of the real singers got married and had children and chillin. What’s out there right now is garbage. People like Lady GAGA what a real joke. Rhianna what a real joke she can’t sing so she performs half naked in order to sell records. The ones that really can’t sing, they make a spectacle of themselves on stage hoping to camoflage their poor talent. Nicki Minaj is what we consider a real wannabe joke . The only reason she is selling anything is because there is no real talent out here. And she is willing to look like a fool and act like a fool on stage. Listen to her voice it is sick. Beyonce is not a real singer she screams alot which is annoying. She is a performer not a singer there is a difference. The real singer or should I say ,saaangers are people like Jennifer Hudson, Whitney Houston 10 yrs ago, Christine Aguilera, Jennifer Holliday who still can sing her A off. Where are the real singers of America. It is a damn shame with what we are left with. If you can really sing you will never have to take your clothes off or come out on stage looking like a fool.

  88. Charmaine January 5, 2011

    Jennifer and Fantasia BOTH have what I call the “Hallelujah Syndrome”. Its like the soloist at the church musical that figures the more vocal runs they put into it and the louder they yell the song the more “soul” it has. In most cases that’s not true imo. It can really ruin a good song to be honest.

    I like Fantasia and I like Jennifer. They have beautiful voices, no doubt, but they both tend to start flat out screaming. LOL, kind of like Patti Labelle back in the day. Case in point: the song they did together, “I’m His Only Woman” the last part of the song is nothing more than them screaming at each other. The yelling has always been Jennifer’s fatal flaw…even Simon pointed it out on AI when she got eliminated after her rendition of circle of life. I guess she either gets to feeling her song and loses her vocal control or she feels like she has to scream to get her point across. I disagree. When you listen artist like Viviene Green, Norah Jones, Sade, Whitney, Mariah, or Corriane Bailey Rae it proves you don’t have to yell at the top of your voice to convey passion and emotion.

  89. DELORES DANIELS February 17, 2011

    IN MY OPINION FANTASIA CANNOT SING.SHE SOUNDS AS IF THOUGH SHE IS OUT OF BREATH WHEN SHE TRIES TO HIT THOSE HIGH NOTES. J.H. RUNS RINGS AROUND THAT NO SINGING FANTASIA. NO COMPETITION BETWEEN THE TWO. ONE IS A SINGER AND THE OTHER ONE IS A WANNA BE.

  90. baptiste December 26, 2011

    coupla screamin fools.

  91. baptiste December 26, 2011

    J. BLACKWATER
    January 2, 2011 at 1:12 am

    You negative people are hater mother f&^%$$$ who can’t hold a tune. So what is your comment worth, nothing. Jennifer blew this song away.

    ***** reply to above :bet ur busy blowin somethin every chance u get mutha%$@#$$^ co&%$$!

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