Jennifer Hudson Performs Aretha Franklin Songs On ‘Colbert’

Jennifer Hudson appeared on Thursday’s The Late Show With Stephen Colbert one day before today’s release of the Aretha Franklin biopic Respect. Hudson chatted with host Stephen Colbert and played two Aretha Franklin classics, including one with Colbert and Jon Batiste.

The Grammy-winning Jennifer Hudson stars as Aretha Franklin in Respect. Jennifer discussed what she learned about Aretha in prepping for the role, her seventh-place finish on American Idol, her last conversation with Franklin less than a week before Aretha died in 2018 and various other topics.

Stephen Colbert asked Hudson about learning to play piano before filming started and how she differentiates her own singing voice and Aretha’s vocal delivery. Jennifer thought it best to provide an example by heading over to the piano and showing how Franklin would sing “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” versus her own take. Colbert and Batiste joined in and provided backing vocals.

Jennifer Hudson also served as the episode’s musical guest. The Respect star performed the title track from the new biopic with her own band.

Watch Jennifer Hudson’s performances and interview from last night’s Colbert below: