Exclusive: Jennifer Hudson reveals how she waited 15 years for 'Respect'

Supplied

American singer and actress Jennifer Hudson revealed she had to wait 15 years to play Aretha Franklin on-screen.

During her conversation with Dubai Eye's 103.8's Lunch with Lloyd, she speaks about how she was handpicked by Aretha for her biopic Respect.

"If she believes I can do it, (then) I can do it," she recalled, adding that it took years of preparation.

Respect hits VOX Cinemas on August 19.

Here's the podcast to the full interview:

More from Entertainment

  • Taylor Swift to present category at Grammy Awards

    Pop superstar Taylor Swift will take the stage at least once at the Grammy Awards ceremony in Los Angeles on Sunday, when she presents a trophy at the highest honors in music, organisers said.

  • 'Michael Learns To Rock' is coming to Dubai

    Legendary Danish band 'Michael Learns To Rock' will perform at the Coca-Cola Arena on April 27, 2025, bringing their signature sound and timeless hits to Dubai under their "Take Us To Your Heart" tour.

  • Singer and actress Marianne Faithfull dies aged 78

    Marianne Faithfull, the wild woman of London's Swinging '60s who survived drug addiction, homelessness, two comas, cancer and COVID-19, died at age 78, after a singing career that began as a teenager and lasted until her 70s.

  • Billie Eilish joins Green Day on stage at FireAid concerts

    Billie Eilish made a surprise appearance on stage with Green Day on Thursday to kick off one of two star-studded concerts in Los Angeles put together to raise funds for people affected by deadly wildfires in California this month.

Coming Up