The word "Oscar" was already in the air a mere 30 seconds after the first teaser trailer for the upcoming Aretha Franklin biopic
Respect dropped a few days ago. The buzz is all thanks to star Jennifer Hudson’s performance in the small snippets of the film we were able to see. The mega-talented actor and singer, who already has an Academy Award to her name for her role in
Dreamgirls (and don’t forget those two Grammys), is electrifying as Franklin, lighting up the screen with her powerful voice and presence—non-negotiable attributes if you’re going to play the legendary Aretha. It’s a role Hudson dreamed of landing for years, and the experience has changed her."I started piano lessons," she told
People magazine, explaining the process of getting into character. "Aretha got me back in music school. It's still a process, but the film has made me more passionate about learning an instrument and expressing myself musically."Along with exclusive stills from the film (which is set for a Christmas Day release), Hudson elaborated on what feels like a life-long process of prepping for this role.[video_embed id='1986487']RELATED: Deborah Cox was 'like a deer in headlights' meeting her idol Whitney Houston [/video_embed]Franklin died in 2018 at age 74 but Hudson had the honour of meeting the icon and performing on the same stage as her back in 2003. "I got to open up for her in Merrillville, Indiana, where she held a concert. That was before
Dreamgirls, before I ever dreamed of playing her one day," JHud recalled. "I've gotten to pay tribute to her many times since then, but every time is like the first time."Hudson’s latest Aretha tribute was just last week when she performed the singer’s version of the Nina Simone song, "Young, Gifted and Black" at the 2020 BET Awards. Jennifer
teased that performance with a Martin Luther King Jr. clip where the Civil Rights leader said, "Don't allow anybody to make you feel that you are nobody. Somehow, you must be able to say in your own lives and really believe it, 'I am Black but beautiful.'" During the performance, Hudson showcased the piano skills she laboured over for the role.
Clearly, JHud is keeping sharp when it comes to those Aretha skills, after all, she's the eternal go-to for a good soulful Aretha tribute. Though months have passed since Hudson wrapped the project, Hudson says Franklin has stayed with her.“I still feel like she's in me, I really do," she said. "I just hope to meet her requests. You think you respect Aretha, but once you see the film and you learn her story, you can't help but to have a newfound respect for her."
Respect also stars Marlon Wayans, Titus Burgess, Audra McDonald, Forest Whitaker, and Marc Maron. If you haven’t seen the first trailer yet, you can be blown away by it
here.[video_embed id='1986245']BEFORE YOU GO: Beyoncé drops 'Black Is King' trailer [/video_embed]
