Jennifer Hudson sparkles on the cover of Entertainment Weekly‘s latest issue!
The stunning spread arrives in support of her upcoming turn as Aretha Franklin in biopic ‘Respect.’
Within the feature’s inner-pages, the Oscar and Grammy winner opens up being hand-picked by the legend to play her, the latest conversation she had with Franklin, and what folk can expect from the film when it premieres worldwide on January 15.
Hudson didn’t hold back when quizzed about a TV series about Franklin that appears to be running parallel to her production.
Pics and quotes after the jump…
On Meeting Aretha Franklin At 25:
“We met in New York, and one of the first things she said to me was ‘You’re gonna win another Oscar for playing me, right?’ Imagine Aretha Franklin looking you in the face and saying that.”
On Her Last Conversation With Aretha:
“I still have the text chains, so every now and then I look back at them. The last time I spoke to her was Aug. 8, [2018,] and I can honestly say she sang until her last breath. I want to be like that. I want to be 80 years old and still doing what I love to do, you know? Sing my way home.”
On Singing Live During Filming Of ‘Respect’:
“When you prerecord, you’re married to that emotion, that delivery. But then in the scene it’s like, ‘Wait a minute, I’m crying here, where are the tears in the song?’ I like the rawness, the honesty of being in the moment.”
On Upcoming National Geographic Series ‘Genius: Aretha’:
“I know that Aretha was adamant that [her life] be a film. If it’s not a film, it’s nothing. I’m just honored that she picked me to play her. I mean, who can say that? And again, I would have never done it without her wishes.”
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Check out the ‘Respect’ teaser trailer below…
![2024 NBA All-Star Game: Babyface Wows With National Anthem / Jennifer Hudson Headlines Halftime Show [Video]](https://thatgrapejuice.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/jennifer-hudson-halftime-show-2024-babyface-anthem-nba-all-star-464x260.jpg "2024 NBA All-Star Game: Babyface Wows With National Anthem / Jennifer Hudson Headlines Halftime Show [Video].")
Just let it go, ole flop!
Another infusion of positivity from this bitter cûnt. Ya’ll give it up for her 🙌🏻🙌🏻🖕🏻🖕🏻🖕🏻💁🏼♀️💁🏼♀️😂
Blah blah blah. I’m not reading that incoherent mess bish💁🏿♀️💁🏿♀️💁🏿♀️💁🏿♀️ Tired, thirsty & desperate 😴 You gets no 🍆from me.
Damn, you man huh?? Lmao 😂 💋💋💋🖕🏻💁🏼♀️
jennifer hudson is a great singer, but i feel like her own music doesn’t stand out and she’s always in someone else’s shadow. :\
She used to be huge like Lizzo… I mean her size 😂🤣😂🤣she should stick with acting….
My problem with J-Hud as Aretha is she will be playing herself like she did Effie. She didn’t even study Aretha’s voice and try to alter her voice to sound more soulful and tone down that SCREAMING. She sings entirely too loud.
Agree 100%, all I see and hear is Jennifer, this will be the Jennifer Hudson movie. They may successfully portray some of the factual aspects of Aretha’s life but they will fail at presenting her essence and most importantly, her own unique vocals.
First of all, she doesn’t “scream” 🙄 y’all sound IGNORANT.
Second of all, have you seen the movie already?! How do know she didn’t alter her voice to adapt to Aretha’s voice and tone?!…exactly you don’t know. Just making preconceived notions that are FALSE. I was on set working as a background actor and I can attest that Jennifer brought Aretha to set day in and day out. You naysayers are in for a complete shock and suprise. She did her research!
All that screeching no thanks…
I’m ready for it
I know Aretha chose Jhud but I’m not convinced at all…
I love Aretha, RIP, but I question her ability to pick who should play her. The fact that she first wanted Halle Berry (who immediately shut it down) says it all. Jennifer was her second choice and in my opinion not much better than her first pick. My expectations are pretty low for this film. Don’t think it’s going to be another “What’s Love Got To Do With It” by a longshot.
I’m amazed at how bitter people are on this site about Jennifer Hudson all these years later. 13 years later after winning her Oscar she’s still here and y’all still mad she won the Oscar and Beyonce didn’t. Stop living through someone else’s life you weirdos.
I’m amazed at how bitter people are on this site about Jennifer Hudson all these years later. 13 years later after winning her Oscar she’s still here and y’all still mad she won the Oscar and Beyonce didn’t. Stop living through someone else’s life you weirdos.
I LOVE TO SEE MRS. HUDSON PERFORM. I THINK IT WILL BE A GREAT MOVIE. HER SINGING REMINDS ME OF ARETHA. I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING THIS MOVIE