Facing soul royalty in the Kennedy Center balcony, Jennifer Hudson took on Al Green’s delicate 1972 classic “Simply Beautiful” and turned it into pure fire. Green’s ear-to-ear smile showed he KNEW this was gonna be iconic. J.Hud began with a whisper that grew into a masterclass of vocal power and smouldering intensity, holding the entire room spellbound.
The way Hudson took a measured approach to the verses just made the times when she unleashed the floodgates, like at 1:42, hit even harder. It’s so perfect the way she held the tension throughout the arrangement, holding everyone’s attention because they knew she was gonna take them on some kind of journey. Seeing Al’s reactions, going from smiling, to anticipation and being deeply moved, such as at 0:58, made the performance all that more emotional.
Green originally released “Simply Beautiful” on his fifth studio album, the 1972 soul landmark I’m Still in Love with You, produced by Willie Mitchell. Where Green’s classic studio version is celebrated for its hushed restraint and vulnerable phrasing, Hudson leaned into her own musical roots. Growing up singing in a Chicago church, she understood the natural bridge connecting sacred gospel to romantic soul. Her delivery reflected that shared lineage, taking the quiet yearning of the original composition and expanding it into a rich, full-bodied performance.
J.Hud bringing the thunder for this tribute wouldn’t have come as a surprise for industry movers and shakers. Having previously performed at the Kennedy Center in 2010 to salute Oprah Winfrey, Hudson knew how to navigate the prestigious event. Onstage, she honored Green’s genius while letting her own personality reshape the song. Hear Al Green deliver an intimate acoustic performance of his classic composition “Simply Beautiful” below.
The Kennedy Center shared the official footage of J.Hud’s take on “Simply Beautiful” on YouTube, where it has since gathered nearly 14 million views. There’s no doubt that it has become a firm classic moment in the history of the prestigious event, which has played host to many of the greats.
Viewers added comments such as “Jennifer stepped on that stage, looked up at Al, and hijacked that song. Killed it. Al was overwhelmed that she went so deep in her soul, as he did. Not many can cover that song so perfectly” and “This might be the all time greatest performance from the Kennedy Center Honors.”