Captivating the live audience and countless viewers at the American Music Awards 50th Anniversary Special, powerhouse performer Jennifer Hudson, 43, shone bright like the star she is this past weekend. She took netizens by surprise with her hair, which they thought was shaved off because of how Hudson appeared in videos and photos.
Fan comment about Jennifer Hudson, posted on October 7, 2024 | Source: Instagram/amas and iamjhud
Exuding effortless glamor and elegance, the “Dreamgirls” actress donned a beautiful bespoke figure-hugging gown by La Roxx. The black dress was strapless, full-length, and shiny in texture.
Jennifer Hudson at the American Music Awards 50th Anniversary Special in Los Angeles, California on October 6, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
Hudson wore this garment over a long-sleeved, sheer top that was decorated with shimmering jewels along the chest area and the collar.
Adding extra flair to her ensemble, she paired her look with latex opera gloves that were also adorned with jewels and that ended by her wrists, leaving her hands uncovered.
Jennifer Hudson mid-performance during the AMAs 50th Anniversary Special, posted on October 5, 2024 | Source: Instagram/iamjhud
Her gown’s floor-length sweeping train was attached to her see-through shirt’s sleeves, giving the entire outfit a dramatic cape-like effect. For accessories, Hudson sported gorgeous, dangling earrings by Anayah Jewellery and stunning rings from A. Jaffe and Zydo.
Jennifer Hudson | Source: Getty Images
Completing the outfit, the EGOT winner rocked black satin pumps. A video taken during the event showed Hudson welcoming fellow industry heavy hitter Mariah Carey to the AMA stage. Carey performed at the event to celebrate the 20th anniversary of her iconic album “The Emancipation of Mimi.”
Jennifer Hudson welcoming Mariah Carey to the stage at the AMAs 50th Anniversary Special, posted on October 7, 2024 | Source: Instagram/amas and iamjhud
It was Hudson’s appearance in this video and online photos that prompted a flurry of reactions from social media users who thought the “Spotlight” singer had gone bald. “Not me thinking she went bald 😫 although she would look stunning 🤩,” penned a fan on Instagram.
Agreeing with the aforementioned sentiment, someone else responded, “[Same]. But it suits her. [If] she ever does.” “[Me] too 😣 I thought I was the only one haha 😆 until [I] saw the [ponytail],” reiterated another Instagrammer.
Jennifer Hudson posing for a picture, posted on October 6, 2024 | Source: Instagram/amas and iamjhud
Jumping on the bald bandwagon, someone else expressed, “Chile why I thought Miss Hudson was bald? It would look good though I see.” “Jen I thought u went bald for a min..🤭,” commented an observer while another said, “Lord thank God […] she didn’t go bald.”
“They slicked her [hair] good. I thought she was bald!!!!!” exclaimed a netizen. Meanwhile, a commenter wrote, “I thought she was rocking the bald look.”
Although Hudson is not currently “rocking the bald look,” she has done so before. Years ago, in 2015, the “If This Isn’t Love” singer shared a selfie on her Instagram with her hair slicked back on her scalp. “Who needs hair, when u serving face!” captioned Hudson at the time.
Aside from prompting online chatter about her hair, Hudson gave a powerful rendition of the late and great Whitney Houston’s legendary song “I Will Always Love You,” which was popularized by her 1992 movie “The Bodyguard” with Hollywood actor Kevin Costner.
She also showed off her vocal prowess when she performed another song to honor the late icon called “I Love You Porgy.” Hudson started her performance with this song before using her silky vocals to transition to “I Will Always Love You.”
Prior to her riveting medley performance that left the audience roaring with cheers and praise, Hudson shared some reflections about how she feels about Houston.
Jennifer Hudson and Whitney Houston at the 51st Annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, California on February 8, 2009 | Source: Getty Images
“What is my connection to Whitney Houston? I think the gospel, you know, the presence, a gift. It just touched me at a early age. I don’t think I can recall a time that I didn’t know of Whitney,” divulged Hudson.
Continuing, Jennifer Hudson disclosed, “Though I recall seeing her at a young age, just being completely captivated by this goddess, this voice, that was like, from heaven or something.”