Jennifer Hudson Proclaims Herself as the ‘Princess of Christmas’
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Jennifer Hudson has recently bestowed upon herself the honorary title of the ‘Princess of Christmas.’ The singer made this revelation during an exclusive interview where she discussed her love for the holiday season. Despite claiming this festive title, Jennifer Hudson was quick to affirm that she would never challenge her friend Mariah Carey’s reign as the Queen of Christmas. Speaking to PEOPLE, Hudson humbly stated, “I think Mariah is the Queen of Christmas, and I’m the Princess of Christmas. At least, I named myself.”
In a recent appearance at the 2024 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony alongside Dionne Warwick, Jennifer Hudson shared her enthusiasm for the Christmas season. She expressed her joy at releasing her first-ever holiday album, ‘The Gift of Love,’ on October 18. The album comprises a mix of classic Christmas tunes such as “The Christmas Song,” “O Holy Night,” “Winter Wonderland,” and “Little Drummer Boy,” as well as original tracks like “Almost Christmas,” a duet with her boyfriend, Common.
Jennifer Hudson regards each song on her holiday album as a special gift for her fans. She metaphorically describes the album as a Christmas tree laden with various songs, allowing listeners to select their preferred musical gift from her. Encouraging her fans to explore the album, Hudson shares, “I look at it as a Christmas tree full of different songs…I hope you guys pick it up and choose your song. I can’t wait to figure out which gift you got.”
Revealing her personal festive favourites, Jennifer Hudson admits that her preferred holiday song often changes. She confides, “I love each and every one of them. I feel like they all represent a piece of me. So, ‘O Holy Night’ is my favorite holiday song.” She further reveals that the song ‘Hallelujah’ served as the primary inspiration behind the creation of her entire holiday album, ‘The Gift of Love.’
Although ‘The Gift of Love’ marks Jennifer Hudson’s debut holiday album, it is not her first venture into the realm of Christmas music. In a collaborative effort with Mariah Carey and Ariana Grande, Hudson joined forces in 2020 to recreate Carey’s classic song, “Oh Santa!” for the ‘Mariah Carey’s Magical Christmas Special’ on AppleTV+. Last year, Hudson and Grande united with Carey onstage to deliver a memorable performance at Madison Square Garden in New York City during Carey’s Christmas tour.
Reflecting on her experiences in creating Christmas music, Jennifer Hudson fondly recalls the joyous atmosphere and sense of unity that pervaded those moments. She shared, “It turned into a reunion or something. It felt like being with family.” Beyond her musical endeavours, Hudson’s dedication to spreading Christmas cheer through her music has resonated with audiences worldwide.
As the holiday season approaches, Jennifer Hudson’s proclamation as the ‘Princess of Christmas’ adds a touch of festive spirit to her musical legacy. Her heartfelt renditions and creative collaborations continue to enchant listeners, making her a cherished figure in the realm of holiday music. With her enchanting voice and festive fervour, Jennifer Hudson’s reign as the ‘Princess of Christmas’ is sure to captivate audiences for years to come.