After starring in the blockbuster movie musical DreamGirls and winning an Oscar and then releasing her debut album and winning a Grammy, the season 3 Miss American Idol finalist, Jennifer Hudson, has finally embarked on a nationwide tour. And, of course, being a home town girl from Chicago, she was able to sell out two nights at the Ravinia Festival! I am so happy that I had a chance to see her on the first of the two nights, Saturday July 16th.
The day started out with packing the cooler with the picnic fixings and having friends pick us up to go to the Metra train. We caught the train exactly as scheduled and was able to be first in line at the gate waiting for the park to open. It was a great time to enjoy the beautiful sunny day with friends, but while visiting out there we were able to hear Jennifer up on stage rehearsing the entire show! She sounded spectacular as she casually went through her set with the band. What a treat to get the sneak preview of the show to come.
Once the gate opened and we were able to lay out our blankets on the perfect spot, we enjoyed more fun times laughing and eating in anticipation of the show. During this time we found the most wonderful glitter covered cowboy hats that light up at the Ravinia Gift Shop. They simply had to be purchased! Also, it turns out that there was a sweet group of kids on a blanket next to us that had GLOW STICKS to play with. Talk about coming to a concert prepared!!!
After getting through opening act, Miguel, Jennifer Hudson made her grand entrance to the opening song Feeling Good. You may all be familiar with this track as it is used in her commercials for Weight Watchers. From our perfect spot on the lawn we had a clear view of Jennifer on the huge video screens and she was proudly showing off her new slim and fit body in a sexy short skirt. Weight Watchers simply could not have a better spokesperson!
Jennifer proceeded to go through her hit packed catalog including Where You At and No One Gonna Love You from her latest album I Remember Me. She also gave a crowd pleasing version of If This Isn't Love from her first release. One of the best moments in the show came when she asked one of her back-up singers to come up and join her in a duet. Turns out it was none other than her fellow Season 3 Miss American Idol finalist, George Huff. She and George performed a wonderful cover of Mariah Carey's #1 smash from 1992, I'll Be There.
Then the show really went into full swing with a spectacular medley of songs from DreamGirls. She went from the powerful One Night Only into the song written especially for her, Love You I Do. The sun had gone down, the energy level was high, the electric glittery cowboy hat was on and the glow sticks were lighting up the park! The crowd couldn't help but get on there feet and dance and clap along. When she segued into her biggest hit, the dance jam, Spotlight, the fans roared with approval and sang along.
When she finished Spotlight and said goodnight, we knew she wasn't really going. The crowd cheered and begged for more and she returned to bring the house down with her showstopper, And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going. Just like they were throughout the entire night, her vocals were passionate and powerful. And the crowd loved every second of it.
Special thanks to Jeff, Nick, Andrew and Samuel for enjoying this great show with me!
No comments:
Post a Comment