Jennifer Hudson Sings Aretha Franklin’s Signature Song In Respect

Jennifer Hudson has taken on the Herculean task of singing some of Aretha Franklin’s most famous songs, as well as some lesser-known tracks from throughout her career in the new biopic Respect. Hudson is one of the most respected and talented vocalists in the music business. After coming in seventh place during the third season of American Idol in 2004, Jennifer rose through the ranks of the music business and eventually turned to acting where she won a Best Supporting Actress Academy Award for her film debut as Effie White in the motion picture Dreamgirls.

Hudson portrays the life of Aretha Franklin in the biopic, which details the rise of the singer’s remarkable journey from a child singer in her father’s church’s choir to international superstardom. The film chronicles Franklin’s journey to find her voice. In the clip seen below, Hudson embodies the superstar, from her 1960s era clothing and makeup to her characterization of Franklin’s stage presence and her seemingly effortless interpretation of some of her most iconic songs.

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Hudson, who was hand-selected by the late singer to portray her in the film, set to be released August 13, said that she worked hard at trying to capture Franklin’s essence in an interview with Fandango.

In capturing the essence of Aretha was allowing all whatever influence  she had on me to come through versus mimicking her or trying to recreate everything she did because you can’t do that. There’s only one Aretha Franklin, no one understands it more than me. To pay homage to her legacy and use her nuances or the way she would approach a song. Our voices are similar in different ways but built differently. As long as we kept her faith and sang from the soul, and kept it honest I think that was the bridge. That was the thing that tied it all together.

Source: MGM Films