Jennifer Hudson Covers Mariah Carey’s ‘I’ll Be There’

Jennifer Hudson graced the stage on the first night of the Essence Music Festival at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans last evening. During her set, the singer performed Mariah Carey’s version of the Jackson 5′s ‘I’ll Be There’ alongside her backup singer George Huff.

See how Hudson handled the song below:

Who knew that Hudson was such a big Carey fan as to try to imitate the diva’s ad-libs and vocal runs? Unfortunately, there is only so far that having a big voice could take a singer so far because she sounded quite awkward at several points in the song.

This performance only stresses the fact that having a great voice is only half the battle. Understanding how to apply that voice to music takes skill. Indeed, Hudson still sings like a contestant on ‘American Idol’ – showboating without any sense of direction.

Sidebar: For those of you doubting that Hudson sang Carey’s version then compare their renditions yourself.

Thoughts?


14 Comments

  • Billy
    2 Jul 2011 | Permalink |

    She sounds a hot mess!

  • KayKi
    2 Jul 2011 | Permalink |

    When will Trent just accept we don’t give a fuck about Mariah anymore?

  • Paul
    2 Jul 2011 | Permalink |

    @KayKi I bet you’re a Whitney stan. Mad that Mariah’s is still relevant? Stay mad!

  • Kevin
    2 Jul 2011 | Permalink |

    Ew.

  • TinaSouthAfrica
    2 Jul 2011 | Permalink |

    @KayKi Trent is trying to make Mariah happen and she just won’t happen! Today J.Hud sings the song better than Mimi because Mimi lost her voice..

  • QUEEN MARIAH >>>> YOUR FAV
    3 Jul 2011 | Permalink |

    YES, SHE BETTER PAY HOMMAGE TO TEH QUEEN

    TRENT, AS ALWAYS, IS ON POINT WITH THIS POST

    AND LMAO @ TinaSouthAfrica – MAKE MARIAH HAPPEN. THAT DOESN’T EVEN MAKE SENSE. DO YOU THINK BEFORE WRITING BOO? MARIAH HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR OVER 20 YEARS.

    MESSIAH GODREY >>>> YOUR Fave

  • Pauly
    3 Jul 2011 | Permalink |

    Bloody MARIAH wannabe #fail

  • Ci'Yonce
    3 Jul 2011 | Permalink |

    Mairah Carey is an icon and legend. She paved the way for most of these upcoming singers. I like Jennfier Hudson but I don’t like her voice. It’s too overly-dramatic and she screams a lot. That’s my opinion. And the haters #SITDOWN because y’all mad cause y’all favs are never doing it.

  • QUEEN MARIAH >>>> YOUR FAV
    3 Jul 2011 | Permalink |

    4:08 – THAT NOTE

    LEONA TRIED IT
    NOW JENNIFER TRIED IT

    BUT YET AGAIN NO ONE CAN DO IT QUITE LIKE GODriah HERSELF

    SO SORRY FOR TEH LESSORS

    EMPRESS MESSIAH GODREY >>> YOUR SHITTY FAVE

  • Ci'Yonce
    3 Jul 2011 | Permalink |

    @QUEEN MARIAH >>>> YOUR FAV

    Lol! You stanning alright. Jennifer Hudson is talented but I think she needs to work on controlling her voice. Mariah doesn’t scream and overpower because with a 5 octave range she can easily hold, control, and belt without screaming

  • latin86
    3 Jul 2011 | Permalink |

    She can’t do it like MC!

  • Ariana
    3 Jul 2011 | Permalink |

    LOL @ Trent! Yasss you better stan for Mariah :)

    What Jen needs is to be more original & creative; girl can sing but her lack of ideas & voice control makes her look a bit boring. Girl is already being compared to Beyoncé, I don’t think she wanted to be compared now to Mariah…. she could never!

  • 4 Jul 2011 | Permalink |

    This performance is missing that “magic” factor. Everytime Mariah sings it’s magical. No one does it like she does.

  • 9 Jul 2011 | Permalink |

    YES, SHE BETTER PAY HOMMAGE TO TEH QUEEN

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