Jennifer Hudson: Hearing Brother's Voice Inspired Performance Comeback

Following the tragic murder of her mother, brother and nephew in October 2008, Jennifer Hudson took a sabbatical from the music industry to focus on her family and recovery. She made her emotional comeback to performing the Star Spangled Banner at the Superbowl in February 2009, and in a new interview with NBC's Dateline, Hudson says that it was inspired by hearing encouragement from her late family members.

"Well, I felt as though I had to. Again, just the same as I hear my mother's voice in my head, I can hear my brother's voice in my head. And he-- they, like, everybody, it's like, is she ever gonna sing again? Is she gonna-- you know?" Hudson told Lester Holt in an interview scheduled to air January 8th.

"And what was I gonna say to that-- I could hear him, like, 'Jennifer--' he would always say, 'Knock it off, Jenny,' if I was cryin' about somethin' or if I was upset, discouraged, mad, 'Jenny, knock it off.' That's what I hear in my head. And it's like, 'Okay, well, what they want me to do? I can either just sit here and mope around, or do what I know that would make them proud.' And that's what I did."

That same month, Hudson picked up two Grammy Awards.

Hudson discussed her comeback with Oprah last February, saying that she tries to imagine what her mother might say about her work as a barometer of her choices.

"I try to do everything to say, 'OK, will my mother like this? Will she be pleased? Will she be proud of that? How do I know she's happy and she's smiling down at me from heaven?'" Hudson told Oprah. "And that's what I try to go by and walk by."

Hudson's second album, "I Remember Me," debuted at number two on the Billboard Charts this past March.

The interview with Holt will air on Sunday, January 8 at 7pm/6pm Central, and she'll appear on the Today Show the next day.

Comments

[carlsoncolorado]

09:02 AM on 01/02/2012

The suspect that murdered her mother, brother and nephew stole soooo much already that I believe Jennifer would be damned if he was going to steal anything else from her. By singing and doing well both personally and professionally, Jennifer can honor her deceased family members. I can guarantee that her family would have wanted nothing more than for her to continue using her beautiful voice to bring joy, comfort and peace to millions of people -- Jennifer could not honor and represent her family better than that. As horrific as 3 family members being gunned down in cold blood is, a lot people are pulling for her. We would have understood if Jennifer walked away from the public's eye, but we are so glad she didn't. Her mother and brother were her biggest supporters and even though Jennifer would have loved to have shared her success with them, she can't physically, but can spiritually and emotionally. We as fans wish Jennifer only the best..

[dawns6]

06:31 AM on 01/02/2012

Jennifer is such a beautiful and talented human being,and in beautiful I'm talking not just her looks I mean she has heart and soul.After all she has been through I am so glad she did not give up on hope and her talent,not many could endure what she has and go on in her life.
Bless You Jennifer you have tought me many things and inspired me to go on with my life.

[cybersoulsista]

02:49 AM on 01/02/2012

sorry for her tragic loss but .......what comeback?

[Joaniejaye]

01:34 AM on 01/02/2012

I cannot believe time has gone by so fast. That was a sad moment.

[dougdammit]

01:31 AM on 01/02/2012

With a voice like Jennifer's, it is important to understand how the sound stirs many peoples's souls when they hear it. It is such a gift to share, I'm glad she does it and am proud of her in many ways.

[Aissatou Sunjata]

01:00 AM on 01/02/2012

Jennifer continues to be one of my breathing sheroes. Who can actually stand in her shoes so far and say that they would survive, let alone keep their wits about them and continue to make decisions that honor and support the memory of her loved ones, the gifts given to her by the creator, the well-being of her son and the healthiness of herself. It is not all about the way she came to public eye, it is not about the weight loss or even the tragedy. Instead, it is about the way Jennifer carries herself, she does not sing with minimum clothing, she does not conduct herself like some wishy washy Sister who has a shelf life of say 35 years old? If lucky, real divas don't need to take their clothing off or exorcise their demons on every cut, unless they are teaching something to those who the music is the lesson. I hope Jennifer continues to prove beyond the music, the actions of a real Sister who is trying to conduct herself and her business like she matters and not the thoughtless and empty and hater aide drinkers of those who follow the superficial instead of the REAL. Enjoy a wonderful week ahead!

[alviesf]

12:16 AM on 01/02/2012

Wow! Even when she's talking about someone else, she still makes sure that she is the focus of all the attention. If you want to talk about your family, talk about them; if you want to talk about yourself, don't use your family as a tool to do so.

[Aissatou Sunjata]

12:48 AM on 01/02/2012

Dead family members? Dead mother? Dead nephew? It must be really difficult to be so distrusting of someone else's story. Perhaps the coping mechanism of having your entire family slaughtered is not in keeping with what is "normal" but give her a break. You can not like the woman's music, but darn, scrutinizing everything that comes out of her mouth as bein gthat of self grandizing? Have a wonderful New Year ahead, sometimes we need to see whether there are fingers pointing back at us. Have a wonderful week ahead.

[dawns6]

06:41 AM on 01/02/2012

Maybe you should just not read the stories here ,since you cant seem to grip the storyline. Shes not making attention by using her family.Shes saying how she can endure what she did to get through it.How would you fare going through what she did ?Shes a beautiful human being ,that learned to go on in life.You need to get a life a stop hating so much !

[KittenSoldier]

12:12 AM on 01/02/2012

Others can be encouraged by her that even after the darkest days, one can survive and live again.

[AbbyB123]

11:44 PM on 01/01/2012

What she went through was so awful, yet she got through it. I so admire her. Plus, she lost a ton of weight and looks gorgeous! What wonderful young lady she is. A real class act!

[ChrissyBMe2001]

11:25 PM on 01/01/2012

she should be in JAIL!!!!!

[Christopher Stewie Jones]

11:48 PM on 01/01/2012

What exactly did she do wrong?

[heaven7]

11:54 PM on 01/01/2012

What is your reason for this, pray tell?

[debbydrutz]

10:39 PM on 01/01/2012

Very tragic.
Amazing what she has accomplished with such tragedy in her life.
Very strong girl, to be admired!

[forkuu]

05:48 PM on 01/01/2012

this girl is really something...

[ltcaffey]

10:31 AM on 01/01/2012

I ran a 5k along the chicago lakefront last year. It was just after sunrise and Hudson came out before the race and sang the most beautiful version of the national anthem I've ever heard. Brought a tear to my eye. Great pipes.

[Nurse Michelle]

11:53 PM on 12/30/2011

She's had to deal with so much. I still hear my mothers voice when I'm in need of advice.. I wish you all the best Jennifer!!

[vicla1942]

11:10 PM on 12/30/2011

She has overcome a great deal of mental anguish.
God has given her strenth and courage to go on.
Hope she finds happiness.