Jennifer Hudson had a huge reason to celebrate on the 100th episode of The Jennifer Hudson Show! She was ready to mark the big milestone with her studio audience and a very special guest. As the crowd buzzed with excitement, Jennifer introduced him with a smile: “A fellow EGOT winner.” And just like that, John Legend walked onstage to thunderous applause.
John wasn’t empty-handed either. He handed Jennifer a beautiful bouquet of flowers, congratulating her on her incredible achievement. But that wasn’t all—he had something even more special in mind. He turned to Jennifer and invited her to join him at the piano for a duet. What happened next was pure magic.
Inspired by Jennifer’s unforgettable performance as Aretha Franklin in Respect, John suggested they sing a song that meant a lot to both of them: Simon & Garfunkel’s Bridge Over Troubled Water. Aretha Franklin had famously covered the song in 1970, and now, Jennifer and John were about to put their own spin on it.
As soon as they started singing, the audience fell silent, completely mesmerized. Their voices blended perfectly, starting soft and tender before building into a powerful, emotional performance that left everyone in awe. Fans watching later online couldn’t hold back their feelings either, with comments pouring in like, “Oh my goodness! I have tears and chills right now!” The video has since racked up over 1.6 million views, proving just how special that moment was.
Bridge Over Troubled Water has been one of the most beloved and widely covered songs for over 50 years. Along with Aretha Franklin, legendary artists like Elvis Presley, The Supremes, and Johnny Cash have all made their mark on it. John’s choice of song wasn’t just a nod to Jennifer’s connection to Aretha—it was also personal for him. He had recently released his own solo piano version of the song on his album LEGEND, making this duet even more meaningful.
And if you think this was the first time John sang Bridge Over Troubled Water, think again! Over a decade ago, a video surfaced of him performing it at the North Sea Jazz Festival in Rotterdam. The crowd sang along, their voices echoing throughout the stadium. It was a perfect example of John’s incredible vocal talent and his ability to shift effortlessly between soft intimacy and raw power in a single song.
Here at Notes Like These, we love seeing today’s artists honor the legends who came before them. Jennifer Hudson and John Legend didn’t just perform a song—they paid tribute to the genius of Aretha Franklin and the timeless songwriting of Simon & Garfunkel. Their stunning performance is a reminder that music is a chain of inspiration, passed down from one generation to the next.
If you want to hear more from John Legend, subscribe to his YouTube channel for more breathtaking performances. Follow him on Facebook and Instagram to stay updated on his latest projects, and check out his website for all the details.
What did you think of their duet? Let us know in the comments below!
