Jennifer Hudson Celebrates Whitney Houston’s Legacy During AMA’s 50th Anniversary Special
Jennifer Hudson honored Whitney Houston at the 2024 American Music Awards (AMAs) 50th Anniversary special in the most heartfelt and befitting way.
The singer and daytime television host reimagined Houston’s iconic 1994 AMAs performance on Sunday (Oct. 6) by singing “I Loves You, Porgy” from Porgy & Bess and the late vocalist’s notable ballad, “I Will Always Love You” from The Bodyguard. Houston’s 30-year-old medley is still one of her most audacious live performances, but the EGOT winner did her justice.
Prior to the performance, Hudson was asked to discuss her “connection” to Houston. “I think the gospel. You know? The presence, a gift. It just touched me at an early age,” Hudson reflected. “I don’t think I can recall a time that I didn’t know of Whitney. I recall seeing her at an early age, just being completely captivated by this goddess. This voice that was like from heaven or something and it resonated with me at like seven years old.”
Not only did Hudson honor Houston in song, but also in style by replicating the fitted black gown Houston wore the night of her legendary performance.
The AMAs also introduced the segment with a video montage of Houston’s AMA wins throughout her career and a touching sentiment from Samuel L. Jackson. “One night, 30 years ago, Whitney Houston won eight of her total 22 American Music Awards including the special award of merit. The same night, Whitney gave perhaps the most iconic performance ever on this show. The stunning medley she sang that night started with a song from Porgy & Bess and ended with a hit from the global smash soundtrack of The Bodyguard. What a remarkable moment,” he stated.
This is the third time Hudson has paid tribute to Houston in this way. At the 2012 Grammys, just one day after Houston’s death, the Dreamgirls star performed “I Will Always Love You.”
She also sang the classic tune for “The Voice” at the 2010 BET Honors. Relive that moment below.
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