Snap judgment: Jennifer Hudson's 'Spotlight'

maria turner Tue, Nov 25, 2008 at 02:44 PM EST

this song has inspired me to think about my relatoin ship about how i different feelings about how i feel about my bf and how he feels about jennifer hudson your song is very compationable

beaushan Tue, Sep 2, 2008 at 02:24 PM EST

It's a shame that I am about to be as judgemental as whom I am about to speak of but I expect nothing else from a name like California Blondie. If she is healthy, the weight should STAY! The only reason she should lose any pounds is if it is hurting her health. Comments like this, feed the disease you spoke of. I am sure you are more than just your screen name. Give Jennifer and all women like her the same respect! Jeez, you are a woman for goodness sake.

Tumi Tue, Sep 2, 2008 at 06:09 AM EST

Jen is a true diva. Thank God there's someone who can expose Beyonce and Rihanna's non-existant vocal talents!!

brown skin Tue, Aug 26, 2008 at 08:13 AM EST

I love Miss Hudson's song very much, the lyrics speak to you and she has a great voice "quite powerful".
We women let our men isolate us from our loved ones and it is not healthy for you or him.
I thought that Californian Blondy's comment about her weight was inappropriate. I think she looks fabulous now then before. I do not undestand, what is that you do not like about the song.
Many women go through relationships like these at some point in their lives and some ladies heal through songs like these. It is not easy to tell someone who is going through drama in their relationship that he/she is a great person, even though they do not see themselves like that at that particular moment.
I wish Miss Hudson all the best in her music career. She is going to make great music that will last over many generations to come

fly gurl Sun, Aug 24, 2008 at 05:50 PM EST

J.Hud is FAB- U- LOUS! love her,and LOOOOOOOOVVVVVVVVVE her song. i keep listening to it over and over again, most women can definitely relate to this song. i can see myself listening to it couple yrs from now. i was sleeping one day, and some how 'spotlight' woke me up. This is definitely a WINNER!! Mz. Hudson is absolutely stunning, loving the body, keep it that way. and the face structure is simply PERFECTO

ImperialWay Sat, Aug 16, 2008 at 05:47 PM EST

Jennifer Hudson is on her way UP!!! The original version of Spotlight has caught the ear and heart of many listeners and her song, as a remix, has already made it into the DJ House music play list. I would seriously invest in her stock. And for the comment made about her weight…. Jennifer is BEAUTIFUL just the way she is.
***
We love you Miss J.

California blondy Wed, Jul 9, 2008 at 08:59 PM EST

I like Jennifer Hudson, she's a great girl, but I'm not a big fan of her singing. Every time she comes out with something I hope it will be amazing. But, sadly, she leaves me disappointed. I don't like this song at all, it's annoying and it doesn't have that special spark.
I must say that she needs to drop a few, not become anorexic, but drop a few. Girlfriend is too chunky!
I would much rather spend my time listening to better artists than waste my time.
Love Jennifer as a person, but she leaves me disappointed every time!
I give it a D!
Thanks.

Andi Sat, Jul 5, 2008 at 06:07 PM EST

Jennifer Hudson is an amazing talent and the song is great!

Sally in Chicago Fri, Jul 4, 2008 at 07:56 PM EST

Love song, preordered the CD because I'm a big supporter....but -- she needs a big push, needs to go on morning shows and radio shows and do interviews....and push push push.

Donna of Ohio Thu, Jun 26, 2008 at 02:09 PM EST

LOVE JENNIFER AND LOVE THE SONG! I first heard it on the Tom Joyner Morning Show and knew who it was instantly. The girl is bad!!!!

I'm old school and this pretty brown woman has the soul and spirit of a young Aretha Franklin. Amy Winehouse Who?

And contrary to others - I'm glad she didn't try to come out with a middle-of-the-road, over-the-top pop song similar to "And I'm Telling You". Diva Girl knew you all would try to pigeon-hole her into that category and she wasn't having it. Good for you Jennifer. Instead, Jennifer came out strong, soulful, and funky...Neo Soul! You go girl!!

Looks like Jennifer knows what's good for her and will not be dictated to nor mandated by dry, boring, pop-chart listeners.

chloe Wed, Jun 25, 2008 at 12:54 PM EST

i didnt really like this song, but now i cant stop listening. I LOVE THE LYRICS, and i saw the video yesterday on the bet awards preshow, now im REALLY in love with it!!! gooo j. hud!!!

Tony Mon, Jun 9, 2008 at 07:20 AM EST

It would have been so expected if the song began high octane and stayed there for the whole three minutes. I like it cz she builds and when she finally throws it down it's not Effie singin but Ms. Hudson pissed off at the idiot. It's brilliant.

theshoediva Thu, Jun 5, 2008 at 09:02 AM EST

J-Hud could sing "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" and I'd go running out to buy it. Her voice is a breathe of fresh air. The girl can SANG! After having the market pumped with life size dolls (the Beyonce and Rihannas) that can't hold a vocal candle to J-Hud, I'm so elated to know that there is actually a target date for her album release. The countdown begins. For all the life size doll lovers, "Spotlight" is actually a jam-- something I can see myself listening to 10 years from now!

ganns Wed, Jun 4, 2008 at 06:52 PM EST

Huge J-Hud fan here feeling a little underwhelmed. They say the beauty is in the simplicity, and I'm hoping radio'll warm up to this because it's a simple song that might just get lost in all the noise currently playing on the radio. Rooting for her, though, all the way.

Talulazoeapple Thu, May 22, 2008 at 12:56 AM EST

She is REALLY holding back, but I am sure she will bust loose on the next single.

Keep God FIRST.

www.talulazoeapple.com

deb Wed, May 21, 2008 at 01:24 AM EST

i love the song ..... and I love her. september 30th can't come fast enough.

deb Wed, May 21, 2008 at 01:24 AM EST

i love the song ..... and I love her. september 30th can't come fast enough.

Felicia Tue, May 20, 2008 at 11:18 PM EST

Although she hasnt mad an actual video for the song, her pictures goes well with her song. It shows a growth and maturity describing the lyrics of Spotlight. It a lovely song but her voice is so beautiful, she can sing almost anything.

Elaine Cane Tue, May 20, 2008 at 11:07 PM EST

The song is great. Everyone expected her to stay with the same tempo from And I'm Telling You. Glad she changed the tempo and she did a wonderful job. Love the song

Sheively Tue, May 20, 2008 at 06:32 PM EST

This has to grow on you, and it has definitely grown on me, it shows her vocal abilities, it's a complete song, has harmony and a nice melody, when she's doing those add ons in the backgrounds of the chorus, it sounds amazing.

Tue, May 20, 2008 at 03:30 PM EST

I love this song

Phil Tue, May 20, 2008 at 01:43 PM EST

Meixpino CLEARLY U didn't read what I wrote yesterday. The song for the movie is called "All Dressed In Love" and will be on the SATC Soundtrack out next Tuesday, "Spotlight" is indeed the first single off her self-titled debut dropping in September.

goofy328 Tue, May 20, 2008 at 10:44 AM EST

yeah a bit low key. but at the end of the day that could be a good thing. are they playing this on the radio yet? maybe that 80s stuff is coming back around it doesn't really sound dated.

Gwen Tue, May 20, 2008 at 09:09 AM EST

It took me about three times. I love it now - not typical Jennifer, but very catchy.

Ernesto Tue, May 20, 2008 at 05:40 AM EST

this song is s*it!!! UGH!!! I can't believe i actully listen to the whole thing grr!!!

Luvmesomebrandon Tue, May 20, 2008 at 01:55 AM EST

I am digging this track and can't wait for more from Miss Jennifer Hudson! SERIOUSLY!!

mexipino Tue, May 20, 2008 at 12:24 AM EST

WAIT! this is not really her first single. its really a song for the movie. more like....wait for it...then BAM here's the real one. people have to get used to her as a singer. this is very 80s Rnb like miki howard or evelyn chanpagne king or cherelle. i bet her next single will be a big voiced ballad.

mexipino Tue, May 20, 2008 at 12:20 AM EST

i liked it. it will mos def be on my playlist during my annual summer drive down I-5 from the SF/Bay to LA. the riffs are very appropriate for this track. she should save her signature wailin for her own CD anyways. she can't be effie all time people!

Albert Stiles Mon, May 19, 2008 at 10:00 PM EST

I rather liked it, but if I am being honest here I expected more. And while I must say that, Jennifer, you looked beautiful in those photos I don't think this is quite your style of song. I dunno, I dunno it was just alright for me.

susan Mon, May 19, 2008 at 09:47 PM EST

I love Jennifer but I'm not in love with this song. I found my mind drifting to something else and not paying attention to it after the first couple of minutes. Hope the rest of the album has more grit to it then this.

Sally in Chicago Mon, May 19, 2008 at 09:47 PM EST

Great...great hook....she's going to be bigger this year esp. after Sex and the city.

lookout Mon, May 19, 2008 at 09:34 PM EST

Thankfully, it did not descend into melismatic hell. Her voice is great and deserved much beter than the boom smack percussion fakery; should have been a real drum kit.

BilliamE Mon, May 19, 2008 at 09:15 PM EST

I like it. Although, it's kind of lengthy for pop radio, maybe a little editing would be judicious.

AtlMusic Mon, May 19, 2008 at 07:04 PM EST

I think it is great....exactly what she needed to do. radio friendly...shows her voice at the end....perfect debut and can't wait for more!!!

BrandonK Mon, May 19, 2008 at 06:29 PM EST

I like it better than most R&B, but that's not saying much. I wouldn't buy the album based on this song, so hopefully the next single is catchier.

Joseph Mon, May 19, 2008 at 06:26 PM EST

I love the slow build of the song. For me, it reminds me of great 80's R&B singers like Miki Howard. I appreciate that she didn't come at us with a full on vocal assault as that would have been expected (Similar to Fantasia's debut which was surpisingly understated.) All in all, a really good J-Hud intro into the pop world.

SWN Mon, May 19, 2008 at 06:11 PM EST

Not bad, I'd like to hear some remixes. It seems like there's a killer track in there!

Paul Mon, May 19, 2008 at 05:59 PM EST

I love Jen, but I have to say I was a little disappointed when I first heard this song. But then I played it again and I kind of started to like it. Now I can't get it out of my head. It has a great hook.

Broadway Baby Mon, May 19, 2008 at 04:23 PM EST

Decent enough song but I'm buying it because she looks so good!

MellieMel Mon, May 19, 2008 at 04:18 PM EST

Decent enough song. There is certainly worse out there. I kinda enjoyed it.

KelleyKel Mon, May 19, 2008 at 03:56 PM EST

I love it! Sista's got her stuff together! She may not win since she does not have a crack habit or done a stint in prison. Love the song and the singer

♥Delicious Dimples♥ Mon, May 19, 2008 at 03:26 PM EST

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE "SPOTLIGHT" THIS SONG IS FABULOUS!!! IM SO PROUD OF HER....

CONGRATULATIONS JENNIFER

Todd Mon, May 19, 2008 at 03:23 PM EST

I like it, but I don't LOVE it. (I admit my expectations were pretty high for her first song)
I am glad I wasn't the only one who picked up on the nice 80's vibe.

Phil Mon, May 19, 2008 at 02:32 PM EST

NineDaves, "Spotlight" won't be on iTunes til Tuesday, June 10th, followed by the self-titled album drops in Sept. The label needs to sell the "Sex And the City" Soundtrack that drops next Tuesday the 27th, in which Hudson contributes "All Dressed In Love".

Erin Mon, May 19, 2008 at 02:32 PM EST

Way boring, didn't even make it halfway.

LauraT Mon, May 19, 2008 at 02:21 PM EST

I was really hoping for more. I don't think the music is worthy of her. I got bored 2/3 of the way through.

Larry Mon, May 19, 2008 at 01:37 PM EST

I love the song! I think that EVERYONE expected the wailing and she does get her diva on later in the song - but I think this is a great first singer who is truly setting herself up as being an artist that lasts.

Lyn Mon, May 19, 2008 at 01:31 PM EST

I like the 80's vibe. I didn't hear the piano riff as a direct Alicia Key's knock-off.

Cashton Mon, May 19, 2008 at 01:23 PM EST

LOVE IT! I can hear this on the radio for sure. and all you J-hud lovers - she has a single that nobody heard off of Jamie WilliamS album - it's a cover of Stevie Wonder's Overjoyed and it's SENSATIONAL. Slezak - did u ever do a write-up of this song?

BrandonP Mon, May 19, 2008 at 01:09 PM EST

Love this song right here. I hope she has a huge hit.

Der Sippy Cup Mon, May 19, 2008 at 12:57 PM EST

Good song. great 80s hook, excellent warm vocal from J. I hope she has a huge hit, she is a sweetheart. The glamour pix are good stuff. Girl looks great with some of the babyfat off.

NineDaves Mon, May 19, 2008 at 12:50 PM EST

i was just searching for this online last night, after reading about it in this week's ew, of all places. thanks slezak for posting it here. i hope it appears on itunes tomorrow. until then, i'll just repeating it on youtube all day today...

Stephanie T. Mon, May 19, 2008 at 12:42 PM EST

The song is pretty good. It has a mid 1980's R&B flavor.

Stephanie T. Mon, May 19, 2008 at 12:37 PM EST

Either J-Hud is wearing Spanx or she lost some weight. She looks pretty good.