Michael Jackson memorial: Jennifer Hudson sings 'Will You Be There'
Pop & Hiss brings you quick thoughts on some of the main performances at today's Michael Jackson memorial.
What: Jennifer Hudson's "Will You Be There." The knockout "American Idol" vocalist took on Jackson's 1991 single, transforming it into a rousing, feel-good anthem. The set had a bit more choreography than the other performances thus far, and it moved the proceedings away from the more restrained recent performances.
But it worked, for the most part, and that's largely due to the strength of Hudson as a vocalist who can reach for the stars as well as any singer. Things drifted a bit toward Hallmark-like hokeyness toward the end, as Hudson stepped back to make way for Jackson's recorded vocals. The Times' Ann Powers is inside the Staples Center. Her reaction: "In a truly angelic white dress, Hudson takes the stage and sings, 'Hold me like the River Jordan,' " the opening refrain from the song.
"Where Hudson goes," Powers writes, "seriousness descends like a misty cloud. The dancers around her would be ridiculous, encircling her in a weird tribal ring — except we know they are Michael's dancers, and this must be his own routine, from the comeback that never happened. Then the fallen star's own voice comes over the loudspeakers doing the last verse in voice over.
Entertainment needs its ghosts. Is this one big effort to raise one?"
— Ann Powers and Todd Martens
Jennifer Hudson performs during Michael Jackson memorial at Staples Center, July 7, 2009. Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cR9JTzxgvqA
Posted by: Tarik Dzaferovic | July 07, 2009 at 12:42 PM
I didn't think Jennifer was that good. She has the tendency to overreach while singing. But congratulations to her on her pregnancy!
Posted by: limelight | July 07, 2009 at 01:35 PM
Honey, you have to consider what an artist has to work with. Jennifer Hudson did a wonderful job. This also was a monent where Jennifer was taken back. The young lady has suffered greatly in her own life. Jennifer Hudson is a very strong lady and God has favor on her life.
Posted by: norma | July 07, 2009 at 08:02 PM
Michael jackson, I will love you forever! I remember being a little girl going to a concert, you were still the jackson five at the time... I have always had you in my prayers through your ups and downs I still have remained a fatihful fan. When I heard the news I didn't want to believe it and the wound is still freah and I don't want to believe it now, You had a beautiful celebration today I will never forget it as long as I live... You will always have a place in my heart forever and ever.... I Love You Phyllis Johnson, Huntsville Ala.
Posted by: phyllis johnson,huntsville alabama | July 07, 2009 at 09:32 PM
Comment for "Limelight" that is her style, it's not her doing bad, that is like somebody saying MJ screams to much like a girl, when that is his trade mark sound, people need to back of the judgment, especially on a soul like J-Hud, to be kicked off American Idol, then all the awards America threw at her after dream girls, then to make a album, sing for the president, lose her brother, mother and nephew and to have this honer?? Limelight, JENNER - WAS- IS and WILL BE!!!! Just THAT GOOD!!!!!!
Posted by: Jason | July 10, 2009 at 10:18 AM
Jennifer did a wonderful job, as she always does! Please people...lets lift one another up. If you can not say something good...take your hater medicine and keep it pushing. Jennifer is one of the most talented singers out there. I am proud of her. Lets keep her lifted up!
Posted by: Michel Thomas | July 13, 2009 at 12:18 AM
i luz micheal
Posted by: ian | October 01, 2009 at 10:30 AM
she was ok not the best :(
Posted by: Ian | October 22, 2009 at 09:20 AM