Jennifer has been chosen to play legendary singer Aretha Franklin in her still-untitled biopic.
The news was announced by Clive Davis at the pre-Grammy gala at Sheraton in Manhattan on Saturday night. The host said Franklin personally selected Hudson to star in the film, big thanks to her award-winning supporting role in "Dreamgirls" in 2006.
Prior to the announcement, Hudson was the finale to a series of performances by Barry Manilow, Alicia Keys, Ben Platt, Luis Fonsi, Khalid and Logic.
The "American Idol" alum paid tribute to Franklin by singing a medley of her songs, such as "Think," "Rock Steady," and (You Make Me Feel Like a) Natural Woman." It was only after her tribute that Davis revealed the news.
The pre-Grammy party was the perfect venue to announce the Queen of Soul's biopic casting. After all, she has won 17 gramophone trophies in her legendary career. Among her award-winning greatest hits include "Respect" in 1968 and "Chain of Fools" in 1969 as well as the more recent "Never Gonna Break My Faith" in 2008 and "A House is Not a Home" in 2006.
Multiple Grammy-winning producer Davis was also a great choice for revealing the news, as he is known to have a had a longstanding relationship with Franklin.
The 75-year-old musician's legacy spans six decades, starting with her 1960s big hits even as a young gospel singer. Apart from her great vocals, Franklin has also inspired women around the world with her reinvention of Otis Redding's "Respect," which made her an icon for civil rights and women's movements.
In 2005, former President George W. Bush awarded her with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, along with Muhammad Ali, Carol Burnett, and a few others. "She is among our Nation's greatest musical artists and has captured the hearts of millions of Americans," her citation reads.
The Franklin biopic will be produced by Scott Bernstein ("Straight Outta Compton") and music producer Harvey Mason.
