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Bruce Glikas/FilmMagicJennifer Hudson gave a surprise performance of Aretha Franklin’s classic “Amazing Grace” Tuesday as The Queen of Soul was posthumously honored at the Pulitzer Prize luncheon at Columbia University in New York City.
Hudson, who was selected by Franklin to star as the singer in her upcoming biopic, posted a vintage hoto of Franklin on Instagram and commented, “Only 43 special citations have been granted since 1930, and #ArethaFranklin became the first woman honored with one. Franklin’s citation was a rare move for the @pulitzerprizes. The queen still reigns.”
The Dreamgirls star also performed “Amazing Grace” at Franklin’s funeral last year in Detroit.
Aretha was recognized by the Pulitzers “for her indelible contribution to American music and culture for more than five decades.” Hudson posted several photos from the Tuesday event, including a picture of Aretha along with the evening’s printed program, and a photo of Hudson with legendary music executive Clive Davis, who signed Aretha to Arista Records in 1980. Davis is also Hudson’s mentor, serving as executive producer of her three solo albums.
Pre-production has begun on the Franklin biopic, Respect, which is scheduled to debut in theaters August 14, 2020.
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aretha franklin hudson Jennifer luncheon prize Pulitzer sings tribute
