Jennifer Hudson delivered a stirring rendition of the Star Spangled Banner, the National Anthem at Super Bowl XLIII February 1, 2009.  See photos and video here.

This was the Academy Award winning actress and Grammy nominated singer’s first public performance since the family tragedy in October 2008 in which her mother, brother and nephew were shot to death.   Singing directly after Faith Hill’s performance of “America the Beautiful” and an emotional appearance from and tribute to Chesley B. ‘Sully’ Sullenberger and the crew of U.S. Airways Flight 1542, the former American Idol has left little doubt with this stellar performance that her career is back on track.  

Prior to the tragedy, she had been on an ascendancy with the release of the self-titled debut album and an appearance in the critically acclaimed movie The Secret Life of Bees, alongside Alicia Keys and Queen Latifah.  Her performance is already getting rave reviews.  Just an example….

Stepping onto a small blue platform, Hudson took a deep breath and leaned easily into the microphone, letting loose her signature crystalline vocals on the country’s anthem, bringing the song a dreamy quality that rivaled one of the other great renditions of the anthem at the big game: Whitney Houston’s legendary soul shakedown in 1991 during the first Gulf War.

Confident and immaculately turned out in a dark blue military style jacket, long white top and black leggings, Hudson gave a performance for the ages, easily hitting the song’s notoriously tricky melody and nailing a pair of long notes at the end sent shivers through the TV. Pouring her heart into the music on the year’s largest TV stage, Hudson instantly set a new standard.

Source: Jennifer Hudson Soars With National Anthem At Super Bowl

Jennifer Hudson is also set to perform at the MusiCares Person of the Year Gala in L.A. on February 6, 2009 and the 51st Grammy Awards on February 8, 2009.  Recently, she completed shooting a video for her single ‘If This Isn’t Love.’  She received four Grammy Award nominations for her self-titled debut album, which was released in September 2008.

American Idol Jennifer Hudson National Anthem video. More pictures below.

Video Link

Related posts:

• Jennifer Hudson ‘If This Isn’t Love’ Video Photos
• Video: Jennifer Hudson Jimmy Kimmel Live 10-2-08 Interview & “Spotlight” Performance
• Jennifer Hudson’s Mother and Brother Shot to Death in Chicago
• Video: Jennifer Hudson on The View 9-29-08 Interview & “Spotlight” Performance
• Alicia Keys, Jennifer Hudson, Queen Latifah Ebony Magazine Cover November 2008
• Video: Jennifer Hudson on Tonight Show with Jay Leno 9-26-08 Interview & “Spotlight” Performance
• Video & Photos: Jennifer Hudson Sings the National Anthem at the Democratic National Convention 2008 8-28-08
• Music Video: Jennifer Hudson, “Spotlight” (Official)
• Video & Photos: Jennifer Hudson on 106 & Park 2000th Episode 8-19-08 “Spotlight”
• Jennifer Hudson Photos by Derek Blanks
• Video: Jennifer Hudson on Good Morning America “Spotlight” 7-21-08
• Photos: Keep A Child Alive: The Black Ball 2008, Alicia Keys, Jennifer Hudson, Kelly Rowland
• “Sex and the City” New York Premiere (Photos & Video) 5-27-08

Jennifer Hudson National Anthem Super Bowl Video, Photos 2009 pictures pics images