Can Jennifer Hudson's duet with Michael Jackson win a Grammy?
Of all the musical highlights at the memorial service to Michael Jackson, none was more bone-chilling than Jennifer Hudson's rendition of "Will You Be There." She belted it out with that same sky-shattering bravado that earned her an Oscar for crooning "And I'm Telling You I'm Not Going" in "Dreamgirls," and the performance was magically enhanced by the addition of Michael Jackson's whispered words, "In my darkest hour, in my deepest despair, will you still care? Will you be there?"
Not only was it expert song craftsmanship, but it was a cry to heaven freighted with extra poignancy knowing that the tragic loss of the King of Pop was being acknowledged artistically by a major new star who recently suffered the tragic loss of her family members.
Twice in recent years, the voices of living and dead artists were merged into recordings that won record of the year at the Grammys: "Unforgettable" with Natalie and Nat King Cole (1991) and "Here We Go Again" with Norah Jones and Ray Charles (2004).
Even if Jennifer Hudson's duet with Michael Jackson isn't issued as a single, it will still be Grammy eligible as an electronic recording available via download if released by iTunes and other sources.
Photo: Elektra Records
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Jennifer did an excellent job!! She wasn't asked to come out there and sound like Michael or even compete with him. People always think things have to be a competition and this was not a competition between her and Michael. She loves and respects Michael and she was asked to honor him at his memorial, and she did an outstanding job. She's a classy beautiful, humble young lady. Anyone who has anything negative to say about her performance, never liked her anyway, because her performance was the best of the memorial service. Bravo Jennifer, Bravo!
Posted by: Lexsi | July 26, 2009 at 05:29 AM
There was nothing of a sort in Jennifer's voice that sound of a strain. The young multi-talented artist did a very good job. Jhud is the one of the few artist who I know can sing anything. May it be soul,r&b,pop,rock,jazz, are gospel. Jenny has a voice to fit whose ever. I know if she is given a chance to do a duet with Michael it will be a grammy win for best song. People still don't want to give Jennifer her props, but the sister is for real about hers. Jennifer Hudson is a very strong young lady. How were she even able to maintain her self to sing such a wonderful song. She has suffered such great loss in her own family. I will always love and respect her for having such a kind heart.
Posted by: norma | July 09, 2009 at 04:17 PM
Jennifer and Michael winning a Grammy together would be AMAZING..... I hope it happens. RIP Mike
Posted by: michael Gargiulo | July 08, 2009 at 11:08 PM
I agree with Courtney above. Did not care for Hudson's rendition. Liked the background singers much better. I would hardly call it a duet. Michael's whispered words at the end were bone chilling.
Posted by: Chris | July 08, 2009 at 10:56 PM
Uhh, I guess you missed Stevie Wonder's performance cause IMHO hid medley is Americas equivalent of Elton John's Candle in the Wind.
Posted by: Nicholas | July 08, 2009 at 06:21 PM
Personally, I didn't like JHud's rendition... not to say she isn't an amazing singer, but her voice didn't suit the song, she sung it an octave higher and it just sounded strained for the most part. But hey, I'm extremely biased because no one can do it better than MJ.
Posted by: Courtney | July 08, 2009 at 04:08 PM
To believe such crap about Michael is just appauling.He was a true hero a legend he cared for everyone and gave his all to help sick children and was very much abused by the media for his difference.Like it was said at his memorial "There was nothing strange about your Michael. It was strange what he had to go through."Its a crime that he was potrayed as he was in the end,i didnt believe it then and i dont believe it now.He was very muich misunderstood as a person and his undying love for children.Children truly are the eyes of god and are very innocent and through them Michael seen.I love you Michael and forever you will remian innocent and in my heart♥May you find all you were looking for in life and be at toatl peace and solice with no pain and hurt.
Posted by: Tina | July 08, 2009 at 01:28 PM
There will NEVER be another Michael Jackson,He was an icon to us but to some alot more.He impacted us all in some way or another and touched the lives of many,I wish i had of gotten the chance to meet him to talk to understand him better.His love for people was amazing and he was so misunderstood is his actions.He was just to much of a child at heart and for that was criticized.One person can only take so much.To Not enough ppl stood by him in his weekest moment and i think more of himself got lost when he left his home in neverland.I prey for his family,his children and Michael always. To his kids:Your father was truly the greatest man on earth and loved you more than life.Cherish your memories of him always and stay strong.Don't let the media destroy you as they have your dad. Catherine and Joe and the entire Jackson family..Thank you for giving the world such a great man,father,brother,entertainer an icon , and friend he was well loved and will be cherished and remembered for ever n ever.
Posted by: Tina | July 08, 2009 at 01:27 PM