Jennifer Hudson continues to trumpet the arrival of ‘Respect’ and this time it’s on the cover of Ebony Magazine. 

Looking regal in red, the GRAMMY and Academy Award winner stuns in the feature spread, which arrives during the release week buzz surrounding the Aretha Franklin biopic.

Hudson’s portrayal of the Queen of Soul has been met with rapturous applause and many are raving about the movie’s Oscar prospects.

For the 39-year-old, though, the role is rooted in more than accolades. It’s a moment she says was aligned by the Most High.

Check out quotes below…

On the Divine Moment of Portraying Aretha Franklin:

“All I can say is that it’s God. I can’t say that I necessarily know, but I know when I’m there, especially with this particular project. It really hit close to home. It was led by real emotion that came from a real place.

Within my artistry, I go places that not everyone wants to go, [places] not everyone can handle, so it can be intimidating. It could be scary. And I think, at times, that’s the fear in people.

I feel as though I’m telling her story through my own pain. I don’t think I would have been able to do this when we first had a conversation about it. I needed to live. I needed to have my own experiences. Every tear, every emotion—it costs, so I [made sure to handle the role with care].”

On RESPECT:

“I know we all have respect for Aretha Franklin, but by the time we get to the end of this film, I want them to have a newfound respect for her.”

On Self-Care:

“I’m in a space where I’m all about self-care, and I feel like if folks don’t get it at this point,
honey!

I’m one of those people—always concerned [about] everybody else. But now, I’m almost 40 years old…I’ve done did everything that’s been asked of me. So whether folks like it or not, it’s my turn now. I’ve turned into a self-care therapist. I’m on a journey to consider me…to please
myself.

You don’t realize how much of a stranger you are to yourself until you [spend] time with yourself.”

Your thoughts?