Academy- and Grammy award-winning actress and singer Jennifer Hudson has racked up an impressive list of accomplishments since she burst on the scene on “American Idol” several years ago. From her stellar performance as “Effie White” in the film version of “Dreamgirls” to her recent casting as “Shug Avery” in the upcoming Broadway revival of The Color Purple, the past decade has been very good to J-Hud. Now the talented actress and singer is about to add another to her list of achievements – performing for Pope Francis during his first visit to the U.S.
Hudson and Broadway leading man Norm Lewis join a long list of entertainers scheduled to perform at a two-hour show preceding the Pope’s Mass at Madison Square Garden on Friday, September 25. The program, entitled “A Journey of Faith,” will be filled with prayer and worship music performed by a variety of artists, including Harry Connick, Jr., Gloria Estefan, James (“D Train”) Williams, Martin Sheen, and The Broadway Inspirational Voices.
Fans of Hudson know that she is no stranger to devotional music as she recorded the powerful gospel song “Jesus Promised Me a Home Over There” on her “Jennifer Hudson” CD. She also lent her incredible vocal range to the gospel standard “Be Grateful” on the “Black Nativity” soundtrack.
Witnessing Jennifer Hudson, Norm Lewis and Kelli O’Hara SING from the sidelines was one of the many highlights of this incredible day!
Posted by Chris Dilley on Friday, September 25, 2015
Stage veteran Lewis’ vocals are also well known as the first Black actor to star in Broadway’s Phantom of the Opera. He was nominated for Tony and Drama Desk Awards for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical for his role in Porgy and Bess. Lewis also received a Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Featured Actor in a Musical for his performance as “Nathan” in Dessa Rose. In 2008, he released his first solo album, “This Is The Life!”
The Pope began his visit to the U.S. on September 22 greeted by President Barack Obama in Washington, DC. He arrived in New York on September 24 and departed the city on September 26. After his New York trip, the Pope traveled to Philadelphia.
UPDATED: Performance videos included
