Academy Award Winner Jennifer Hudson Wants To Be in 2024 Celebrity Game & Will Be The MVP [Watch]
On Sunday, February 20th 2022, the National Basketball Association (NBA) held its annual All-Star Game in Cleveland, Ohio. One of the highlights of the event was the performance by Chicago native Jennifer Hudson during the player introductions.
Hudson is well-known for her powerful voice and dynamic performances, having risen to fame through her appearance on the third season of American Idol. She has since gone on to become a successful actress and recording artist, winning numerous awards for her work in both fields.
However, what many people may not know about Hudson is that she is also a big basketball fan, and grew up in Chicago with a deep appreciation for the game.
In interviews, Hudson has spoken about how basketball was a big part of her childhood. She was a cheerleader in high school, and would often attend games to support her school’s basketball team. She also remembers watching Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls during their championship runs in the 1990s, and cites Jordan as one of her biggest inspirations.
Hudson’s love for basketball has continued into adulthood. She has been a frequent attendee of Chicago Bulls games over the years, and has even performed the national anthem at several of their games. In 2020, she was in attendance at the All-Star Game in Chicago, where she also performed during the player introductions.
Given her history as a Chicago basketball fan, it was fitting that Hudson was chosen to perform at this year’s All-Star Game. The event, which brings together the best players from around the league for a showcase of skill and athleticism, is one of the most anticipated dates on the NBA calendar. Hudson’s performance added an extra level of excitement and energy to the proceedings, as she belted out her rendition of “America the Beautiful” while players from both teams were introduced.
Beyond her performance at the All-Star Game, Hudson’s love for basketball is a testament to the way that sports can bring people together and inspire passion and dedication. Like millions of other fans around the world, she has been drawn to the game’s blend of athleticism, strategy, and teamwork. And while she has achieved great success in her career as a performer, her roots in basketball continue to shape her perspective and inspire her work.
In the end, Jennifer Hudson’s performance at the NBA All-Star Game was a fitting tribute to both her own talent and the game of basketball. As fans around the world continue to celebrate the sport and its many cultural touchstones, it is heartening to see how figures like Hudson are able to bridge the worlds of sports and entertainment, and bring new levels of excitement and energy to both.
During the 2023 All-Star Hudson was sitting courtside and after the game she was interviewed by Bally Sports Brandon ‘Scoop B’ Robinson.
“I felt like I was on the team. Sometime in my spirit I think I should out there you know? I think I was in a good spot just incase they needed me,” said Hudson.
Robinson then asked what stood out to her.
“All of them threes he [Jayson Tatum] kept popping left and right, but there all so great. It is just amazing to sit and watch them be so dope, and to share this moment with her son as well is something that we will never forget.”
She added as soon as she get off work from the Jennifer Hudson show, I go home and watch the basketball games. I’m a basketball mom and I love what my kid is into, and genuinely love basketball. This is what I think, I need to be on the celebrity team next year, and i’m going to be the MVP.
Landon Buford is an accomplished sports and entertainment journalist based in Richardson, Texas, with over a decade of experience covering the NBA, WNBA, NFL, WWE, MLB, and the entertainment industry. Known for delivering high-impact stories and headline-making interviews, Buford has earned a global audience through content that blends insider access with compelling storytelling.
He previously served as director of editorial and brand communications at PlayersTV, where he helped shape the platform’s editorial voice and brand identity. He is also the founder and editor-in-chief of LandonBuford.com—an independent outlet with more than 1.6 million views and syndication from major platforms including Bleacher Report, Sports Illustrated and Yahoo Sports. Buford’s interviews with stars like Gary Payton, Kevin Durant, Mark Cuban and Chris Paul showcase his talent for meaningful, in-depth conversations.
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