Star musician Jennifer Hudson surprised a couple at their wedding with a striking version of “Giving Myself,” her 2008 classic, ahead of the Season 2 premiere of The Jennifer Hudson Show.
The singer and actress shared a video from the moment she surprised newlyweds Traci and Pat Jean-Baptiste at their lavish Los Angeles wedding.
“We are here today at Traci and Pat’s wedding reception. I’m here to surprise them. They have no idea that I am here,” Hudson said. “I got this huge performance plan for them. The mama don’t even know, the family don’t know. Don’t nobody know nothing!” Hudson told viewers at the start of the video, according to People.
In the clip, Hudson is told that the couple is on the roof taking pictures, which helps the team get ready for the big reveal. They also cleared the guests from the room to another location in the building. The couple were shocked to find the reception hall empty. “Where’s everybody?” the groom said as the bride gasped, “What in the world?”
The pair then walked in a floral, purple-lit hallway to find their guests, while Hudson stood onstage, hidden behind a white curtain. As soon as the couple made their way to the front of the room, the curtain dropped, leaving everybody stunned as Hudson appeared behind the microphone.
“Congratulations, Tracy and Pat!” Hudson exclaimed as the couple screamed along with their friends and family. “And to all of y’all, this is for you!”
The star singer immediately began the performance of “Giving Myself,” backed by a band that consisted of singers, a drummer, a pianist, and a guitarist. Hudson wore an elegant rose-red off-shoulder gown with a thigh-slit and styled her faux locs braids to the side.
Madame Noire reported that Hudson invited the couple to The Jennifer Hudson Show on Monday and gave them a framed photo that she took with the lovebirds during their wedding, saying, “Now you’re going to put me up on your wall. It’ll go with your family portraits.”
The star also presented the couple with a OneKeyCash card from Expedia stacked with enough money for the married couple to plan their best honeymoon.
Fans and well-wishers have praised her for her gesture. According to EW, Hudson’s show was initially set to return last month but was postponed amid backlash due to the writers’ strike, which officially ended last week.
