Jennifer Hudson Jumps Into a Dallas Crowd, Turns an Opera House into a Booming Dance Party

What: CitySquare’s A Night To Remember 2017

Where: The Winspear Opera House

PC Moment: CitySquare brought Jennifer Hudson to the Winspear Opera House on September 9 for A Night to Remember, the nonprofit’s annual fundraiser. The Grammy and Academy Award-winning singer and actress gave a spirited performance which included songs from her DreamGirls days to hits from her most recent album, JHUD.

“There’s Jennifer Hudson and then there’s J-Hud,” she explained as she took the stage. “Jennifer Hudson is the Academy Award winner,” J-Hud is her more down-to-earth persona.

“Tonight I’m JHud. But you’ll get a little Jennifer Hudson too,” she joked.

Accompanied by an equally talented band, Hudson turned the opera house into a booming dance party with her soulful sounds. As the show neared its end, the DreamGirl hopped down from the stage and danced her way down the aisles, making friends with audience members and belting out “It’s Your World.” Following a standing ovation, the singer concluded the evening with a powerful rendition of Prince’s “Purple Rain.” The Winspear’s massive chandelier took on a lilac hue and cascaded from the ceiling during the song for a dramatic finish.

The concert was preceded by a VIP Party to celebrate major donors and sponsors in Hamon Hall.

Who: Event Co-chairs Sherel Riley, Tiffany Touchstone-Hawkins and Wendy Messmann, plus CitySquare CEO Larry James orchestrated things.