Jennifer Hudson: “We’ll Always Love You Whitney”

In a stirring tribute to her idol, Whitney Houston, during the 2012 Grammy Awards, Jennifer Hudson captivated audiences with a version of “I Will Love You” that was heavy with grief and the importance of the tragic occasion.

In a simple black dress, with only a piano serving as accompaniment, Hudson soared through the notes with a control and quiet strength that is typically absent in her powerhouse vocals.

Houston presented Hudson with her first Grammy award in 2009, saying at the time that the distinction  “almost overshadowed getting the Grammy.”

It was reported that Hudson had such a difficult time making it through rehearsal, breaking into tears as she tried to sing the famous lyrics, that Grammy insiders didn’t think she would able to make it through the performance — but she did it and did it well.

See below for Jennifer’s performance:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JiIajQGHqnQ