Jennifer Hudson Says She Was Hand-Picked by Aretha Franklin for ‘Respect’
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The highly anticipated Aretha Franklin biopic finally hits theaters August 13. This biographical film about Aretha Franklin wrapped shooting just before the COVID-19 lockdown last spring. Former American Idol star, Jennifer Hudson was hand-picked by Franklin herself to star in the movie.
The Academy Award, Golden Globe, and Grammy winner was a finalist in the third season of American Idol in 2004. She’s only become more popular as time has gone on.
“This is the ultimate dream ever, you know, and honor at that,” Hudson said on Live with Kelly and Ryan when asked about what it was like to be chosen by Franklin herself. “I want to say when she called me… she said I’ve made my decision, it is you who I want to play me. I said well yes ma’am, she said don’t tell a soul and then…the next day she went and told it in an article but she didn’t give my name away.”
Hudson began her singing career as a child in a Chicago, Ill. church. She then went and worked for a year as a Disney Cruise ship singer before auditioning for American Idol in Atlanta, Georgia. Hudson auditioned for the talent show at 21-years-old and the rest is history for this superstar.
Hudson Fangirls Over Her Success
After being a finalist on the third season of American Idol, she now has some of the most influential recording artists on her speed dial. She spoke about what it’s like to get calls from such influential singers. She mentioned singers such as Aretha Franklin, Smokey Robinson, and Patty LaBelle.
“Oh my god, those moments you can just never get used to like, is this real? Or when Aretha used to call me I’m like oh my god this is Aretha on the phone…” Hudson said on Live with Kelly and Ryan.
Hudson ‘fangirled’ with Kelly and Ryan over the fact that these celebrities can just call her on a whim. No matter the fame Hudson has acquired, she still gets excited about talking to these other artists.
Considering Hudson’s past Academy award, Golden Globe, and multiple Grammies, it’s very possible another award is in her future. Respect will implement Hudson’s acting and singing skills on top of her casting recommendation by Franklin. It’s not a matter of if she is going to get nominated, rather if she is going to win.
