Jennifer Hudson Rocks Obama’s World and The Democratic National Convention



Well, this didn’t take long to hit YouTube.Com, did it? You’ve got to love the internet during historical moments like this!

Academy Award winner Jennifer Hudson performed a rousing rendition of the “Star Spangled Banner” to launch the Democratic National Convention, featuring Barack Obama’s history-making acceptance speech and his leadership status of the Democratic Party.

And what a glorious rendition this was! I was watching this video, ignoring the obvious breathlessness due to nerves and rather focusing on her magnificent vocal talent. Her voice was truly transcendent throughout this performance and when she modulated to a different key after the phrase, “that our flag was still there”, I wanted to stand up a cheer.

She grabbed the pure “eh” vowel in the word “there” and just glued her voice to this vowel with technical brilliance, moving through the ascending note of the key change with exceptional vocal clarity and agility. It was a heart thumping moment and one that I will never forget.

To sing the American National Anthem, at any time, is a very serious undertaking for any singer; but, to sing this anthem at such a monumentous historical event is another matter all together. So many elements must come together to create the perfect rendition of this song – exquisite artistry, exceptional vocal talent, nerves of steel and a genuine, sincere delivery by the vocal artist.

Jennifer Hudson possesses all of these qualities and so much more. She is a determined, industrious young lady who, after her Top 7 appearance in Season 3 of American Idol, generated a career beyond anyone’s widest dreams. As she herself said when she accepted her Oscar for her inspiring performance in “Dreamgirls”: “Look what God can do!” Indeed, Jennifer! Indeed! Bravissima!

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About Masterclass Lady

Rosanne (Giallonardo) Simunovic began her musical career in Timmins, Ontario. She studied piano with Anne Pizzale and later, at an advanced level, with Soeur Anita Vaugeois (Sister Cecile of Les Soeurs De L’Assomption in Timmins). Her vocal and accompaniment skills were nurtured by her aunt, the late Dorothea Mascioli. When Rosanne graduated from O’Gorman High School, she moved on to the University of Toronto where she continued her piano and vocal studies while attaining a Bachelor of Arts Degree. She was hired as a piano accompanist for several musical companies, most notably, the National Ballet Of Canada. She presently holds an A.R.C.T. Teacher’s Diploma in Voice from the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto. Rosanne has studied choral conducting with numerous well known Canadian Conductors, including Wayne Riddell of Montreal, Quebec and the internationally renowned Dr. Elmer Iseler. She has been a founding member of numerous community-based arts organizations: the Timmins Arts Council, later known as Arts & Culture Timmins, the Timmins Symphony Orchestra, and, the Timmins Youth Singers…as well as the TYS Alumnus choir, the Timmins Concert Singers. In 1987, she was also selected to be the conductor of the Timmins Board Of Education Choir, comprised of talented students from Grades 5 to 8. In 1988, she was elected to the Board Of Directors of the Ontario Choral Federation (now known as Choirs Ontario), where she served as Chair of the Festivals Committee for six consecutive seasons. In 1996, in honour of the Ontario Choral Federation’s 25th Anniversary, Rosanne was selected as one of 25 recipients of the OCF’s Distinguished Service Award for outstanding contribution to the choral art. The ceremony was presided by Lieutenant Governor, Hal Jackman. In November 1997, Rosanne Simunovic was selected by the Rotary Club Of Timmins to receive the prestigious Paul Harris Award for her years of dedication to the artistic development of young musical talent in Timmins. In August of 2002, Rosanne Simunovic was selected by the Board Of Directors of Choirs Ontario to serve as Conductor of both the Provincial Junior and Teen Choir Camps, now renamed in honour of the Camp Benefactors, Don and Lillian Wright. In November 2002, Rosanne was the one of the recipients of the Commemorative Medal for the Golden Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, honouring her work in the development of the arts in Timmins. Under Rosanne Simunovic’s direction, the Timmins Youth Singers and the Timmins Concert Singers have been featured in numerous choral festivals and performing opportunities outside of Timmins. In 1985, they were selected to partici

3 Responses to “Jennifer Hudson Rocks Obama’s World and The Democratic National Convention”

  1. Unknown's avatar

    A gift from itto of rickey’s, from David’s homecoming last May:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJBlZRIjR6s

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  2. Unknown's avatar

    Janey – that was a great way to start my day. The best 5 minutes ever! He looked so composed and he must have been tired, considering that he had just finished his run with American Idol. But, you’d never know it.

    And his upper notes – especially on the word “wave” – gaahhhh, pure magic, so much clarity and so much control. Brilliant!

    Thank you so mucb for sending this link.

    It would be fun to add more links from other artists to this blog topic. Anyone?

    Like

  3. Unknown's avatar

    I’ve read that a lot of people thought Jennifer was shouting while she sang the higher parts. I don’t think she was but can you tell me whether or not those people were right?

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