Three biggest ‘Idol’ stars shine in Grammys
Jennifer Hudson poured her heart and soul out in tribute to Whitney Houston at the Grammys last night. CREDIT: AP
“Idol” executive producer Nigel Lythgoe had to have felt a surge of pride last night watching the Grammys last night. The trifecta of “Idol” superstars – Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood and Jennifer Hudson – were all featured and all proved their worth in various ways.
Early on, Clarkson dueted with Jason Aldean on their No. 1 hit “Don’t You Wanna Stay.” Aldean’s mic died in the end but otherwise, Clarkson did a superb job as always and proved she can jump genres easily.
Later, Underwood teamed with the ageless Tony Bennett for the classic “It Had to Be You.” While this is not the most natural voice combo, she balanced respect of his stature and her own vocal skills with his classy delivery.
And after nearly three hours of anticipation, the Grammys presented their annual “In Memorium” which segued cleanly into Hudson’s emotionally wrenching “I Will Always Love You.” (If you missed it, I posted it below).
Reviews of Hudson’s performance were largely kind.
“The song doesn’t try to eclipse Houston’s original, but perfectly does the job of paying tribute to the woman who, all apologies to its original singer Dolly Parton, made the song iconic.” – Cinemablend.com
“Breathtaking, lump-in-the-throat moving, and if not technically flawless, well, who would fault her? So strange to think that 48 hours earlier this transformed Oscar winner had been telling Piers Morgan about singing duets with Whitney into her hairbrush as an admiring, aspiring child. Now she was on stage at Staples Center having to somehow summon the strength not to cry through one of her idol’s signature songs, and instead let the performance do the crying for us. I bet she bawled the moment she got off camera.” - OCregister.com.
“Hudson hit the sweet spot in her rendition. She didn’t try to upstage the original’s power but instead played thoughtfully in its shadow. Somber, slow and spare, with just a piano accompaniment, Hudson kept the accent on hurt for the departed star and awe for her legacy that will endure. Hudson’s skilled reading showed caring, thought, and exquisite taste.” - The New York Daily News.
Join my Facebook fan page and Twitter.
By Rodney Ho, Radio & TV Talk
accessAtlanta Partner Sites
Sections
Advertise on accessAtlanta.com »
Reach the audience you want by advertising on accessAtlanta.com
Join the Access Atlanta Network »
Advertisers and Publishers, expand your reach by joining the Access Atlanta Network.
Tell us what you think about the site
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement | About our ads
© 2012 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
120 comments Add your comment
JTesla
February 13th, 2012
11:40 am
Good night for Idol and the Grammy’s, not a good weekend for music.
Three biggest ‘Idol’ stars shine in Grammys | ATLANTAboy.com | Gay Atlanta Celebrity, Film, Movie & TV News
February 13th, 2012
11:45 am
[...] more Three biggest ‘Idol’ stars shine in Grammys at Radio & TV Talk… /* * * CONFIGURATION VARIABLES: EDIT BEFORE PASTING INTO YOUR [...]
Harriett
February 13th, 2012
11:48 am
I thought Jennifer did a fine job of keeping it as a tribute and not a knock your socks off performance. It was obviously an emotional moment for her.
Deirdre
February 13th, 2012
12:14 pm
Beautiful! JHud did us proud. Absolutely lovely.
Harriett
February 13th, 2012
12:25 pm
She sure did! I loved Carrie’s gown, too. And, Kelly!
Whitney Fan
February 13th, 2012
12:34 pm
R u Kidding? JHUD did a HORRIBLE job with Whitney’s song! Reminds me of why I didn’t like her in the first place during Idol. The tone of her voice is NOT pleasant and trying to sing Whitney’s Swan Song only hi-lighted everything that is wrong with JHUD’s voice! Sure she can sing on key but so does my rooster every morning at Five AM!
Deirdre
February 13th, 2012
12:45 pm
WF…I’m not a big fan of JHud either. I think her singing is over-rated BUT, I think she set exactly the right tone with this tribute. She did not(and she couldn’t anyway)try to out-sing Whitney. The song was a sad response to Whitney’s death.
Sam-A
February 13th, 2012
12:46 pm
I have to go with Whitney Fan on this – I’ve never been able to listen to JH – find her tone and general sound of her voice extremely irritating. Just not pleasant to my ears in the slightest way. I always flip the station when her screamy WW commercials come on. But she did look nice.
G
February 13th, 2012
12:53 pm
Excellent job from Jennifer Hudson and Carrie Underwood! Kelly was okay, but I think there were some technical difficulties during her duet.
What I love about Jennifer’s voice is the range, power, and control. She is so comfortable in the lower baritone register, then she flirts with the high tenor. Just love her to pieces and can’t wait til her next cd is released.
I haven’t been the biggest Whitney fan in the past, mostly because of the genre (not the talent). She had a strong set of pipes, that was basically unrivaled in her prime. She was a strong gospel singer that made it big in the pop and r&b scene. I was really hoping for another album from her. She will be missed.
Whitney Fan
February 13th, 2012
1:02 pm
G that makes absolutely no sense. You didn’t like Whitney’s genre and yet you can’t wait for JHUD’s next CD? Someone correct me if I’m wrong, but isn’t JHUD R&B as well?
G
February 13th, 2012
1:18 pm
When I think of early Whitney, I think more pop than r&b. Jennifer is r&b all the way. I’m not the biggest pop music fan, but I tolerate a few catchy tunes. For me, I can look past genre and still appreciate the talent. I’m a musician, and I was trained to play to different genres (including symphonic pieces). I’m not a country music fan, but I think Carrie Underwood can hold her own with the best………regardless of the genre.
Deirdre
February 13th, 2012
1:19 pm
Gotta agree with WF again. JHud/Whitney equal basically the same genre. And Sam, I feel the same about JHud’s voice. It isn’t that she can’t sing, obviously she can and really well, it’s the tone that bothers me. Not sure why.
Deirdre
February 13th, 2012
1:20 pm
G. Whitney’s fame came with pop first then she definitely moved into a pop/r&b style. But you are right, her fame came with pop music rather than r&b.
Allison Wonderland
February 13th, 2012
1:24 pm
Whitney is not coming to Atlanta. TMZ is reporting she will be buried in New Jersey.
Jenny
February 13th, 2012
1:46 pm
Hi everyone. I too didn’t know where to look for y’all this morning! I didn’t think to check the Voice thread since I don’t really pay a lot of attention to the show. But that’s OK… here you are!
Well, I don’t always watch the awards shows, unless there’s a specific person or award I’m interested in… but as Rodney speculated, I was one who was drawn to watch last night because of Whitney. And wow, was I glad! What a show. Deirdre, hopefully you recorded it!
It sounds silly since I don’t know her, but I was so proud of Jennifer. I can’t even imagine how hard a performance that must have been. I loved that she didn’t copy Whitney, or really even try to belt those notes… but just sang it so simply and beautifully in her own style, while still true to the song. (if that makes sense.
)
And with so little time to prepare. We had heard earlier in the day that she had tried several times to rehearse the song, but kept breaking down and had to stop. I was literally holding my breath for her as she sang. Though even if she had cried, it would’ve been OK. I don’t know who in the world could have faulted her.
The Glen Campbell tribute was wonderful. Rhinestone Cowboy is one of my old favorites. And how great to see the Beach Boys! And Taylor Swift… she doesn’t usually sing well live, but she was great last night!! And so cute, looking shocked and saying “Wow” to her standing ovation. It was deserved!
And as far as Whitney, I am sad beyond words. She truly was the soundtrack of my youth. Her songs are timeless. And her voice… one of the greatest ever, if not THE greatest.
finally
February 13th, 2012
1:51 pm
I have to agree Jennifer Hudson’s voice is not pleasant. I was so tired of her rendition of “You’re Gonna Love Me” from Dreamgirls just bellowing out a sound doesn’t make a good singer. Sure she has a powerful voice but she needs to reign it in some. I thought any other singer could have done a wonderful version of I will always love you or maybe a few singers paying tribute on a medley of her songs, but it was very quick that they had to make the plans-sadly.
Starfish
February 13th, 2012
1:52 pm
Niki Manaj sucked.
Starfish
February 13th, 2012
1:59 pm
And Jennifer Hudson sings like she’s constipated. Painful! She keeps telling us how she feels in her diet commercials. Let me tell her how “I” feel! Click…
DanJ
February 13th, 2012
2:32 pm
I thought Jennifer did a great job with the song. But that’s just my opinion. Although I would have loved Kelly sing it!
Rickster
February 13th, 2012
2:35 pm
Carrie on the red carpet:
http://www.foxnews.com/slideshow/entertainment/2012/02/12/grammy-red-carpet-so-hot-and-so-not/#slide=18
Enjoy!
Harriett
February 13th, 2012
2:38 pm
Bottom line for me–Jennifer is a former Idol contestant who has had success beyond imagining, and that makes me very happy.
Deirdre
February 13th, 2012
3:10 pm
Speaking of successful former Idols, Kat McPhee was on Live with Kelly this morning. Guest host was Randy Jackson. They talked briefly about Whitney. Kat said that Clive asked her to sing a medley of songs from The Bodyguard for Whitney at a party. Kat said she was beyond honored. Also reminded Randy that Idol contestants are told by the judges to never sing Whitney.
kelly&carriefan
February 13th, 2012
3:18 pm
Hey y’all,
The Grammys had a bit of everything last night. I also, was one of those who wanted to watch due to Whitney. It’s so tragic and while we’re well aware of her issues, still unexpected in some ways. The Idol ladies did well. Jennifer’s tribute was beautiful. Kelly just got me more excited for next week’s show! And Carrie was a nice compliment to Tony Bennett.
PS. Rickster, why am I craving an Oreo McFlurry?
Harriett
February 13th, 2012
3:49 pm
KCF, I thought it was one of the best Grammy shows in years. And, I agree with all you said. Well, except the Oreo McFlurry. LOL!
G
February 13th, 2012
3:54 pm
Agree with Harriett 100%.
Geeesshhh…….it’s hard to get r&b love on this blog. Marcus, Fantasia, Jennifer, Ruben, Chris, Elliot and anyone else that has V-103 potential. LOL!!!
Deirdre
February 13th, 2012
4:00 pm
G…I loved Ruben! I was also very fond of Elliot.
peter
February 13th, 2012
4:09 pm
ain’t nobody noticed how thoroughly Taylor Swift(ly) kicked stanky Kanye’s patooty out of the LAThugs Arena with her reminder that she is not the only one who has not forgotten what a crackhead that famous Atlanta Artist is …………….. she gone to be in the big city, y’all
Jenny
February 13th, 2012
4:28 pm
G, I’ve always liked Jennifer, Ruben, and Elliott a lot! I wanted to see Elliott in the finals with Katharine, on his year of Idol… he was so much more talented than Taylor Hicks. And Marcus was very good on XF, but I just thought others were better. (sorry though, I will admit to not liking Chris – if you mean Chris Renee – or Fantasia, other than a few of her Idol performances.)
Neggggggg
February 13th, 2012
4:33 pm
Watched the Grammys…Adele is awesome. Killed her live performance and deservedly swept every award. That is all.
Rickster
February 13th, 2012
4:39 pm
No offense to anyone – including Whitney – but but I assiduously avoid entertainment industry awards shows. Even the death of one of the ‘big names’ isn’t enough to make me watch.
I have no desire to watch gatherings of famous people who gather for no reason other than to lavish (mostly undeserved) praise on each other telling each how great they are while oft times going out of their way to belittle and/or alienate the very people who make their lifestyles possible while holding themselves up as the paragons of enlightenment and knowledge compared to us in the great unwashed masses.
Rickster
February 13th, 2012
4:42 pm
Unless a singer is singing – or an actor is reciting a line – I wish they’d just stay quiet and keep their opinions to themselves.
Rickster
February 13th, 2012
4:55 pm
But that’s just me.
JTesla
February 13th, 2012
4:57 pm
Rickster, that is why I loved Ricky Gervais hosting the Golden Globes over the last few years. Granted, I didn’t watch the shows, but I caught all the highlights of Ricky sticking it to the Hollywood elite.
Rickster
February 13th, 2012
4:59 pm
Good for him!
Harriett
February 13th, 2012
4:59 pm
G, I am always a fan of the r&b contestant. I was alone–well almost–in my love for Michael two years ago. Everyone called him cheesy, but I downloaded all of his performances and still listen to him.
Time to run. Talkt to y’all tomorrow. Hope you don’t get snowed in! They are saying wintry mix here in SC.
Rickster
February 13th, 2012
5:01 pm
Have a good evening, Harriett. Stay warm.
Rickster
February 13th, 2012
5:03 pm
Less than 48 hours till Idol!!
Have a good evening, everyone.
sakura
February 13th, 2012
5:46 pm
Though im a Whitney fan, i watched the Grammys not because of the Whitney tribute. I tuned in to watch the comeback performance of Adele and wow! she did not dissapoint. Carrie’s performance was excellent too.
DanJ
February 13th, 2012
7:06 pm
G, I’m a huge R&B fan. From Old School artists like Marvin Gaye to FullForce and beyond! I’ve got the CD collection to prove it. I do agree that R&B artists are often overlooked when it comes to voting on competition shows.
Deirdre
February 13th, 2012
7:59 pm
OMG!!!! I just talked to my son, the former Mr Hollywood, who was in LA all weekend visiting friends. One friend, who owns a music co. had 5 tickets to the Grammy awards and one of the company people couldn’t go so my son was invited to go along.
His favorite performer of the night(which surprised him) was Taylor Swift, who he said was fantastic. He was particularly impressed that he got to see Paul McCartney(and icon in the music industry) but was disappointed in the ballad……then the end came with Sir Paul and Springsteen and Dave Grohl all singing together and he said that was fantastic.
I am so jealous!
JTesla
February 13th, 2012
8:47 pm
Nice Deirdre.
Hey, whatever happened to plank girl?
Seth T
February 13th, 2012
8:49 pm
My opinion is that Taylor Swift, Kelly Clarkson and Adele gave very the most enjoyable
performances. Carrie was, as always – a combination of cute and beautiful.
Jennifer did well and took-on one of the toughest songs to cover, in tribute to Whitney.
Deirdre
February 14th, 2012
7:15 am
Morning!
I’m still amazed. When my kid called yesterday and told me he’d been to the Grammy Awards, I thought he meant he’d been at the Staples Center for the red carpet. I had to ask him 3 times if he meant “inside”!
Deirdre
February 14th, 2012
8:01 am
I have The Voice taped and will watch it as soon as possible. I hope it was good last night. The blind auditions are the best part of this show, imo.
Highlander
February 14th, 2012
8:21 am
I’ll have to disagree with Whitney Fan and D. Whitney was never an R&B artist. She was Pop all the way. If you disagree, name one of her hits that would classify as R&B. There isn’t one. Clive Davis knew where her mass appeal was going to be from the get go.
JHud is more R&B than Pop but she sounded great on the Grammy’s. And much better than”the original.” (Which was Dolly Parton, not Whitney.)
It’s also interesting to note that what has become Whitney’s signature song was one she initially did not want to do. Kevin Costner actually picked out the song and talked her into doing it for The Bodyguard. And the rest is history.
Sam-A
February 14th, 2012
8:26 am
Deirdre: Lucky young man, I’m very jealous. Getting to see Paul and Kelly in the same show – wow, as they are my fave male and female singers of all time! Of course, it’d mean more to you and me than to a young man! I’d be interested in what he had to say about the Minaj debachle!
Highlander
February 14th, 2012
8:27 am
Taylor Swift has definitely gotten better singing live, but Kelly, Carrie and Jennifer can still sing rings around her. (I don’t exactly know how that’s done but I know they could do it!)
And the story Adele’s vocal return is remarkable! That girl can SING!
Also, I like Alicia Keys. I think she has great talent and a lovely voice, but Bonnie Raitt schooled her on how to sing a Blues song!
Deirdre
February 14th, 2012
9:22 am
Yes, I agree Highlander. Whitney was way more pop than R&B. I guess I was thinking about her always being included in the list of great R&B divas. Sometimes there’s a fine line between styles/genres.
Deirdre
February 14th, 2012
9:23 am
Sam, he got back to GA on the red-eye this morning so I probably won’t start getting details until tomorrow. I’ll let you know when I find out.
Harriett
February 14th, 2012
9:43 am
Good morning!
And, D, The Voice was good last night. I love the blind auditions, too, but then after that is over, not so much a fan.
How great your son got to go to the Grammys!