It seems the promo push for Jennifer Hudson’s debut single is in full swing; the Oscar winner performed the song on Regis & Kelly this morning. Check out the performance below:
As expected, Jennifer nailed it. For a song that, though solid, kinda lacks the “commercial” factor that seems to equal ‘hit’ these days, Jennifer is selling both herself and the song with these live performances. Good stuff.
What do you think of the performance?

Sorry about the slow(ish) posts today. I had the pleasure of interviewing a certain Mr Ne-Yo today in Central London – be on the lookout for that real soon. Anyway…

Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson performed her brand new single ‘Spotlight’ today on Good Morning America. Check out her interview as well as performance below:

Jennifer looked and sounded on-point! Awesome performance. Jen’s self-titled LP hits stores on September 30th.

What do you think of the performance?
'Jennifer Hudson' Album Cover The above pic is said to be the official album cover for Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson’s self titled debut – which is due September 30th via J Records. I like…

What do you think of the cover?
The Best You Never Heard: Jennifer Hudson, Michael Jackson, Beyonce & TrinaThis week’s edition of The Best You Never Heard features little known cuts by Jennifer Hudson, Michael Jackson, Beyonce and Trina. Do you have any suggestions for future instalments? Drop me an email at sam@thatgrapejuice.net

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Jennifer Hudson – Stand Up

 

Some of you may remember ‘Stand Up’ from a post earlier this year, which saw Jennifer belting it out in her bathroom. Recorded back in 2006, ‘Stand Up’ was initially made available as a gift to fans via one of her fan-sites, however has since become so popular (among her fan-base) that it’s currently being considered for placement on her upcoming debut album. Indeed, the ‘big ballad’ showcases Jennifer’s powerful vocal ability to the fullest, while also engaging the listener lyrically. Great song.

 

Listen: Stand Up


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Michael Jackson – One More Chance

Originally set for release in late 2003 (video filmed too), ‘One More Chance’ never saw the light of day beyond a feature on MJ’s ‘Number Ones’ LP due to well his publicized legal drama – which he eventually overcame. The soulfully soulful cut manages to mesh vintage Michael Jackson (‘Michaelisms’ included lol) with a contemporary sound that would, no doubt, work even in today’s musical climate. Definitely a testimony to MJ’s continued musical relevance.

 

Listen: One More Chance

 

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Beyonce – Baby Boy (Alternate Version)

 

 

Beyonce’s 2003 chart topper ‘Baby Boy’ needs little introduction. Yet many don’t seem to be aware of the existence of an alternate version of the song; which features entirely new lyrics. Weirdly enough, it was this version of the track (which still goes hard even today) that I heard initially; I remember scratching my head at the 2003 MTV VMA’s when she performed what is now known as the ‘single’ version of the track. Enough of my babbling, take a listen…

 

Listen: Baby Boy (Alternate Version)

 

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Trina – 50/50 Love (ft. Trey Songz)

 

Despite releasing a few decent LP’s, both before and after, it’s 2003’s ‘The Glamourest Life’ that stands as Trina’s best album IMO. Featuring several collabo’s including ‘Here We Go’ with Kelly Rowland, one of the record’s standout cuts was the Trey Songz assisted ’50/50 Love’. With Trina at her raunchy best, and Trey turning an impressive performance on the hook, this one is a winner.

Listen: 50/50 Love (ft. Trey Songz)

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Your thoughts: Hit(s) or Miss(es)?

The video for Jennifer Hudson’s debut single ‘Spotlight’ premiered on BET today, ahead of the Awards. I must say, I’m really liking the Chris Robinson directed clip. Though the concept has been done several times already, Jennifer’s undeniable swagger and presence on screen made for a real engaging video. ‘Spotlight’ has grown on me considerably since my initial listen, something the video will most definitely serve to continue.

What do you think of the video?

Entertainment Tonight caught up with Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson on the set of her much anticipated video for first single ‘Spotlight’. Check it out:

Jennifer looked great and came across very well. Though ‘Spotlight’ didn’t ‘wow’ me initially, it’s grown on me considerably as of late. Here’s hoping Jennifer’s project lives up to the high expectations.

Any thoughts?

Jennifer Hudson - 'Spotlight' The long-awaited debut of Jennifer Hudson’s first official single is over; ‘Spotlight’ surfaced earlier on today. I’m kinda on the fence with this one; it’s certainly not what I expected. Is it me or does Jennifer sound kinda like she’s holding back vocally? I’m here waiting for her to belt like we know she can, yet she doesn’t. I’m guessing those calling for her to stop ‘over-singing’ will be appeased. Saying that, I do feel the song has ‘grower’ potential. Hudson’s debut album is set to hit stores in September via J Records.

Hit or Miss?

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Jennifer Hudson - 'All Dressed Up In Love' Jennifer Hudson’s contribution to ‘The Sex & The City’ movie soundtrack, a cut titled ‘All Dressed Up In Love’, has surfaced. Though not what I initially expected, the funky mid-tempo is a decent effort, that seems to match the tone of the film.

Hit or Miss?

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As Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson continues to prep her much anticipated debut album, her jaw-dropping performance of ‘I Am Changing’ on The Late Show With David Letterman back in December 2006 serves as this week’s ‘From The Vault’ video:

The performance speaks for itself. Amazing. With the industry increasingly pushing musically-challenged artists to the forefront, Jennifer is a testament to the fact that genuine vocalists still exist and shine like no other when given the chance. Good stuff.

Your thoughts?

Check out this video of Academy Award winner Jennifer Hudson singing ‘Stand Up’, a track that may be featured on her much-anticipated debut album, in her bathroom lol:

Wow! That was my first time hearing the track and I’m literally blown away. A-mazing…she really nailed it. With the ‘Dreamgirls’ hype having subsided, this really reminded me of why the anticipation is so high for Jennifer’s album. I’m hoping the song gets a placement on the final tracklisting. Random note: the guy in the video with her is her boyfriend James Payton – who she has been dating since 1999.

Any thoughts?

Jennifer Hudson Update The producer behind Leona Lewis’ monster hit ‘Bleeding Love’, Ryan Tedder, has stated that there is a ‘strong possbility’ that he’ll be working on the much-anticipated debut album by ‘Dreamgirls’ Jennifer Hudson. This comes on the heels, interestingly, of Tedder’s confirmation that J Records label head Clive Davis is taking the album in a new direction – one consistant of “high-energy, beat-driven material with soulful hooks.” Here what he had to say about the project:

They made half an album and ended up scrapping it. Clive — wisely, I think — said, ‘No one’s going to buy this. We’re trying to turn her into Aretha Franklin, and that’s not realistic. They scrapped a bunch of songs and started fresh”.

“I heard a Timbland song that was by far the best song she’s done. I do wish, and I know the label wishes, that this album had come out six months ago. But Clive’s smart. He didn’t want to just put out a crap album just because of the momentum” {Source}

It kinda figures. Considering it’s been so long since ‘Dreamgirls’ came out, it was obvious something was up with the project. Still, it’s good to see that Clive is making sure Jennifer delivers the best album possible. I’m real amped about Timbaland’s contribution to the album…it’ll be interesting to see what they come up with


Your thoughts?
In a recent interview with OK Magazine, singer/actress Jennifer Hudson spoke out about her much-debated body image:

“I have the height of a model, the breasts that people pay for and the lips that everybody wants, so why should I change?”
{Source}

More power to her…


Your thoughts?
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