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!

August 28, 2008 

Masterclass Lady On MySpace.Com
Vocalist.Org





A gift from itto of rickey’s, from David’s homecoming last May:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gJBlZRIjR6s
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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?
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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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