Jennifer Hudson: "I Haven't Stop Crying" Since Whitney Houston Died

Celebrity News February 13, 2012 AT 6:49PM By Ariana Finlayson

Credit: Kevin Winter/Getty Images

In an Us Weekly poll on Monday, 75 percent of readers said they loved Jennifer Hudson's tribute to the late Whitney Houston during Sunday's Grammy Awards.

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And now, the songstress, who belted out an abridged version of Houston's "I Will Always Love You" ballad on the Grammys stage, has finally opened up about her performance, which she had less than 24 hours to prepare for.

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"It was the greatest honor of my life to be able to be the one to pay tribute to Whitney's memory," the 30-year-old tells Us in a statement. "It was from my heart. I haven't stopped crying since she passed. Her family is in my prayers."

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Houston, a six-time Grammy Award winner, was found dead in her hotel room at the Beverly Hilton Saturday afternoon. She is survived by her daughter, Bobbi Kristina, 18, and her mother, Cissy. The cause of Houston's death is not confirmed.

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February 19, 2012 - 11:40am Diane Humpal
She did a beautiful job of singing during her grief! Wow!
February 14, 2012 - 6:28am Valerie Cameron Klaerner
Jennifer looked and sounded fabulous. I could not even stay in the room for the whole song because I got so tearful! Thanks for a job SO well done, Luv ya Jennifer!
February 14, 2012 - 2:07am Andrea Maria Materka
I closed my eyes and I heard the voice of an angel. Her shocking resemblence to Whitney's voice is breathtaking! She did amazing! I noticed as she bowed to exit the stage she started to cry and that got my tears out. A wonderful tribute to a wonderful woman! Whitney will be remembered for her voice by me not her struggles!
February 13, 2012 - 9:08pm Jeane Meredith Loughridge
She done the best. Whitney would be proud. Great job Jennifer
February 13, 2012 - 8:26pm Paulette Howard
Jennifer you made her proud. Everyone could clearly see and understand how emotional Jennifer was not only was she probably thinking of Whitney and her sudden death but the sudden death of her mother, brother and nephew a few years ago. I commend her for her professionalism, her ability to step in and perform with less than 24hrs and the fact that she made us proud and I'm sure, Whitney proud. Thanks JHud and R.I.P. Whitney!