Two of the country's foremost gay cultural figures—iconic dancer-choreographer Bill T. Jones and legendary Broadway composer-lyricist Jerry Herman—and gay-friendly media sensation Oprah Winfrey were among the artists saluted last night at the 33rd annual Kennedy Center Honors. Each artist was fêted and received a tribute by fellow A-listers as they watched from a balcony alongside the President and First Lady.
One of the highlights: Grammy and Academy Awards-winning R20 fave Jennifer Hudson soared with her rendition of "I'm Here" from The Color Purple to honor of Oprah Winfrey, who produced the Broadway production of the show. It was a stellar arrangement and Hudson was joined by the Tennessee State University Choir, representing Winfrey's alma mater.
Jennifer Hudson looked like a million dollars, too. Watch AFTER THE JUMP ...
Absolutely STUNNING! Love her and Oprah!!
Posted by: Isis | 29 December 2010 at 14:58
Why am I mad at Jennifer singing the hell outta this song? Where is Fantasia Barrino? LOL.
Posted by: Perriason | 29 December 2010 at 17:11
They wanted someone with class. Fanny just doesn't have it for me and maybe that's why she is in the hole she's in. She needs new management. Clean up her image. Just my opinion.
Posted by: Cedric | 29 December 2010 at 17:41
She looks GORGEOUS but I much prefer Fantasia's version. I wonder did they decide to go with Jennifer over Fantasia because she's in a better public standing than Fantasia currently is?
Posted by: cullen | 29 December 2010 at 18:26
Ms. Hudson did an excellent read.
I also liked the dance segment for Bill T. Jones. Mr. Jones looked so regal and appeared to scrutinize every move and sound from the ensemble on stage.
Posted by: Honut Sinti | 29 December 2010 at 18:48
She looks stunning, but I was not impressed with her performance. Fantasia may be a PR mess right now, but her performance of this song is amazing.
Posted by: Butchie | 29 December 2010 at 22:19
So much better than Fantasia's version!
Posted by: joseph | 30 December 2010 at 10:33
BOTH Fantasia and Jennifer are GREAT singers! BOTH their versions of this song are GREAT! There is no better or worse here! JUST GREATNESS! Please don't turn this into a Fantasia vs Jennifer thing! PLEASE!
Posted by: Isis | 30 December 2010 at 12:01
Jennifer Hudson is a Chicago native and her persona is more befitting of the Kennedy Honors. Also, Fantasia is embroiled in multiple lawsuits and may not have been up for it.
Posted by: STRONGFORU | 30 December 2010 at 12:53
Fantasia Definitely SANG this song. This was just ok. I love J. Hud but she didn't do it justice.
Posted by: edwix | 30 December 2010 at 16:39
Watching Oprah glow and clutch her partner in life while Jennifer sang the song was simply AMAZING! IMHO...
Posted by: yeahisaidit | 30 December 2010 at 19:33
hmm...at times o almost looks disgusted (at 1:02, for example)!
j hud just gets better and better!
Posted by: brohemian | 31 December 2010 at 00:10