Here are my options for writing the following blog item about Jennifer Hudson’s version of ”And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going,” from the upcoming big-screen adaptation of Dreamgirls:
A. Predictably (and for the second time today — sorry!) blather on about my devotion to the American Idol finalist, and her trademark holleration.
B. Quietly post a link to J.Hud’s version from Rickey.org, then let you all discuss its pros and cons — and whether or not it matches up to Jennifer Holliday’s standard (check the latter’s performance from the 1982 Tony awards for comparison).
I have always been a huge J-Hud fan (her “Weekend in New England” is arguably the greatest AI performance of all time) and I have to admit.. I was waiving my hand around like Mariah and screaming “you go girl!” to this.. wow.. she is AMAZING…
WOW….just WOW!
I think we have to wait to see how she performs the song visually before comparing her to Holliday, but J. Hud can sing. She put a little gentler take on it that wasn’t as desperate as Holliday.
We got a hot one tonight! The last note gave me chills
My groovin’ 22-month-old son gives this song two happy, stomping feet and full-body sways of joy.
Hudson > Holliday.
I can’t wait until the movie comes out. Sista can SING! I can still remember J Hud perform “Circle of Life…” LORDAY! She took it to church and back!
Jennifer Holliday still owns the song, and Hudson’s is rather laughable. To Jeff; Holliday’s was SUPPOSED to sound desperate. She was trying to keep someone she loved. Hudson sounds like someone who’s just whiny.
I’m very glad to see Jennifer finding post-Idol success. Though her excessive low-register singing & “crazy eyes” irked me occasionally on AI, she can definitely sing (as evidenced by Weekend in New Englands-her shining moment). But let’s not get crazy… Ms. Holliday is in class by herself far at the top any list of singers who attempts “her” song.
Good stuff! We always knew Jennifer Hudson had what it takes.
Well hold on a minute. If the new version was a copy of the old one, people would be up in arms. It should be different, especially since the venue has changed. A stage show needs a different kind of singer than a movie does.
Jen Hudson’s version is quieter, and her voice is different – surprise! But it’s a damn fine rendition of a powerful – and powerfully famouhs – song
the words ‘matches up to jennifer holliday’ are nonsensical. that performance was, perhaps, the best performance ever on broadway — ever.
in any case, hudson’s is very good.
This is very, very good Ms. Hudson. Now get out of the studio and do it on stage 8 times a week and you get close to the brilliance of Ms. Jennifer Holliday.
Just kidding. Loved Ms. Hudson’s verson too. It’s (slightly) toned down which is good for the movie. I can see people clapping in the theaters after the number right now. Someone’s gonna win an Oscar (after being nommed on her first major performance Oprah style), and, oh yeah, I’m already standing in line for the movie.
Chills. This song can only be sung with intention of creating chills. Both Jennifers achieve that; separately yet equally.
It sadens me i was expecting j hud to do great but its horrible, i mean if u hear holidays its phenomonal and then u hear that theres no way it compares!