Exclusive: Jennifer Hudson "Sobbing" Rehearsing "I Will Always Love You" Tribute to Whitney Houston
Credit: Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images
Jennifer Hudson is trying to stay strong for Sunday evening's Grammy Awards -- but it isn't easy.
The huge-voiced singer was tapped last minute to perform a "respectful musical tribute" to the late Whitney Houston after news of her death in Beverly Hills shocked the world late Saturday.
PHOTOS: Whitney's life in pictures
Hudson dutifully showed up for rehearsals in L.A. on Sunday morning to sing Houston's trademark ballad "I Will Always Love You." Understandably, Hudson "began sobbing hysterically," a backstage source tells Us Weekly. "She had to restart [the song] several times before making it through."
VIDEO: Inside Whitney's sad decline
Production staffers were similarly teary-eyed during the run. The entire morning, indeed, was challenging, with last-minute script and song changes made. Chaka Khan -- for whom Houston once sang backup, and whose hit "I'm Every Woman" Houston covered -- is also rumored to perform with Hudson.
PHOTOS: A look back at the Grammys 2011
"All stars have been accommodating," the source said. "No one has batted an eye or been a diva...People are trying to be upbeat."
PHOTOS: Jennifer Hudson's incredible slimdown
Ken Erhlich, Grammy Executive Producer, explained to the Los Angeles Times how they decided to go with the small tribute. "It's too fresh in everyone's memory to do more at this time, but we would be remiss if we didn't recognize Whitney's remarkable contribution to music fans in general, and, in particular, her close ties with the Grammy telecast and her Grammy wins and nominations over the years.
Tell Us What You Think
22Wow, some people are soooooo nasty on this thread. Jennifer Hudson did a beautiful job considering the circumstances and Whitney would have appreciated how hard it was for her FRIEND to get up there and do that one day after her death. Show some empathy for Pete's sake!
This is why the world is messed up today. Of course no one can sing the song like the creature, but other can sing it. Stop judgging Jennifer Husdson, and thank God that she pulled it off. Withney family wanted her to sing and she did good. No one knows how hurt Hudson was singing that song, so stop saying she had the nerve. Did you sing. I don't think so, so shut up and stop being stupid.
I think Jennifer Hudson did a fabulous job considering she had to deal with her emotions I agree with Paulette. People need to speak positive instead of saying negative or hurtful things its hard enough that Whitney Houstan is no longer here.
I cannot believe she had the nerve to get up and sing any of Whitney's songs - it was horrific - you chopped it with your crappy voice....go back to singing your American Idol songs!
Perhaps the reason Jennifer Hudson was chosen is that she sang this song during a tribute to Whitney Houston a couple of years ago on an awards show. What would have been fitting is if they just put up on the BIG MEGA SCREEN Whitney herself performing the song from 1994 Grammy Show. That would have been a complete show stopper and none other than herself doing the song perfectly. RIP Whitney Houston, you were one talented lady.
I cannot believe she had the nerve to get up and sign Whitney's song. Whitney was a beautiful woman and I know she would not want Jennifer Hudson singing her songs on the eve of her death....how dare her! Go back to singing your American Idol songs - ugh!
Jennifer did an absolutely BEAUTIFUL and AMAZING job. She was the consummate professional and did exactly what she was told. The musical director for the show told her to keep it short and simple. It was not meant to be a comparison but a tribute. She delivered and for those who really knows vocals, you know she delivered. She was given less than 24hrs notice and had to fight through her own emotions. Great Job Jennifer!
That was the worst rendition of that song I ever heard!!!
Wonderful job from Jennifer. They couldn't have picked a better person to pay tribute to Whitney.
She did a beautiful job! They picked a perfect person to sing such a powerful song.
Jennifer Hudson is the only current female singer that could pull it off. She did it beautifully!!
J Hud is the only current female singer that could pull it off. She did it beautifully!!
Jennifer Hudson had me crying like a baby. Very nice touching tribute.
Just heard Jennifer Hudson sing; she was brilliant. Whitney would be proud.
I agree w/ Sandra. Jennifer is the ONLY person who can sing that song as a tribute to Whitney.
I agree w/ Sandra. Jennifer is the ONLY person who can sing that song as a tribute to Whitney.
There is no other than Whitney herself. She has a one of a kind voice. No one else will ever have such a nice voice as she has, not even her daughter. She has been the only one with such distinguish voice since she came out with her first song I think back in the 80's. I pray for her daughter, and her mother. She will certainly be missed. I loved her singing and will miss her greatly.
I'm sure Jennifer Hudson was hurt because she lost her idol, and since it was only a few years ago she lost her mother, nephew, and brother I'm sure that pain of loss hit her all over again in a way. Jennifer Hudson is the only one who could do whitney justice, she performed in a tribute for her while she was alive and Whitney seemed to enjoy her.
I think Christina Aguliera would have ben a better choice as Whitney acknowledged that herself. No offense to J Hud.
Terrible shame, her death. Terrible shame that none of us can keep from wondering if it was drug-related. A lesser, different kind of shame, though; that song was not Whitney's, it is Dolly Parton's, who had a huge hit with it in the 70's. But I'll give Whitney credit- She put her mark on it- put it on the Map (and I'm sure Dolly's glad) We'll all miss her. But not as much as I miss the great unselfish Phoebe Snow.