Monday, October 09, 2006

Jennifer Hudson Sings "And I Am Telling You" from Dreamgirls

Theatre and movie fans have been waiting for this one: The movie version of Michael Bennett's "Dreamgirls." For me, the reason I'm so excited about this is because it's written and directed by Bill Condon, who I think is one of the greatest moviemakers in Hollywood. I met him at a premiere once and he's really a very humble man.

In "Dreamgirls," there is a huge number that closes the first act. It's an iconic Broadway anthem called "I'm Not Going" and it was originally performed by Jennifer Holliday, who blew the walls down. In the movie version, this song will be performed by Jennifer Hudson of "American Idol" fame. Does she "get" it? We report. You decide. Here is the audio clip from the movie:

Photo courtesy of PRNewswire Photo Service. (Anika Noni Rose, Beyoncé Knowles and Jennifer Hudson)

Here's Jennifer Holiday singing the same song. Jennifer Holliday, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Loretta Devine, and other original cast members perform "It's All Over" and "And I'm Telling You (I'm Not Going)" on the 1982 Tony Awards.:


Here's the trailer for the movie:



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12 comments:

Anonymous said...

Boy, she just blew the roof off that song at the Tony Awards, didn't she?

Damn!!

Travis

Jackie said...

Sheryl Lee Ralph, Jennifer Holliday and Loretta Devine, what a trilogy of talent. Jennifer Holliday's power, IMO, can never be equalled with that anthem. But Hudson delivers. Yes she does. I can't wait for this movie! Thanks Steve.

Steve Schalchlin said...

I agree. No matching Jennifer Holiday, but Hudson does a VERY good job. The movie is gonna be amazing.

Anonymous said...

I think Jennifer Hudson is the best singer of all time!!!!!!! I was hooked on her from the first sounds she sang on Idol!!! This woman is AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Craig Hickman said...

Actually, I like Jennifer the Younger version's better. Don't get me wrong, Jennifer the Elder rocked the house, but Hudson's version has more range, more dynamics, more nuiance; thus it conveys broader and more varied emotion than the powerhouse shout/rant/roar of Holiday's rendition.

Anonymous said...

I love J-Hud she did the damn thing on this song. Beyonce watch out. J hud is going to still the show after this film

mel78 said...

Although this song will always belong to Jennifer Holliday (I STILL get shivers when I hear her sing it - what a voice!!), Hudson does a very decent job of it. I believe people will walk away from this movie remembering Jennifer Hudson instead of Beyoncé (which will be much to Beyoncé's dismay - who I think is a bit overrated anyway).

Anonymous said...

Jennifer Hudson MUST steal the show - she's the lead. Deena (Beyonce) is NOT the lead, she's the star. There's a diff. Leads carry the show, stars sell tickets. That's the whole point of the movie. If they try to make it about Beyonce's character, it will fail. And yes, Hudson rocks.

Anonymous said...

I think the arrangement lends itself exceptionally well to the build the song needs dramatically, and clearly J.Hud is up to the task. If she can come across onscreen the way she comes across on the track, then she deserves every accolade coming her way. I originally wasn't going to listen to this, but after seeing everybody on "Oprah" yesterday I couldn't help myself. It's made me all the more excited to see the film!

Anonymous said...

Nothing will ever compare tlo Jennifer Hollidays live performance of this song but I actaully like Hudson's recorded version better than Jennifer Holliday's.

Unknown said...

Wow. Fumbling toward... I thought just the opposite! Guess that just goes to show the old adage is true! Hudson has impressively awesome pipes, yes, but based on these samples, Holliday's vocals emote far more effectively - i didn't watch the video, but you can hear tears alternating with rage alternating with pleading, willfulness, power... Hudson's version is powerfully sung, too, but I would say it doesn't quite capture the same complex subtleties this scene would require. Still - super stoked about seeing this movie Boxing Day! Hudson is head and shoulders more talented than Barbie-yonce... glad to see JHud getting the attention!

Anonymous said...

Everytime I hear the song "And I Am Telling You" from Dreamgirls, It really blew me away with those WORDS.

I really love the song and for Jennifer Hudson, She did GREAT!!!