Academy Award-winning actress Jennifer Hudson is earning acclaim once again for her performance as the legendary Aretha Franklin in the acclaimed biopic Respect. Always one to pay honor to the Queen of Soul, Hudson posted a video of her and Franklin’s granddaughter, Grace, paying homage to the legend at the Respect premiere on her Instagram page.
The Instagram video earned praise from the likes of Ledisi and Holly Robinson Peele.
“What better what to celebrate Aretha Franklin than for her granddaughter to sing her song at the film premiere? She would be so proud,” Hudson said in her caption.
“In my family, in Heaven, the best way to honor their legacy is to do what you know they would love and, what they would want you to do,” the Respect star said before introducing Grace. “I think Aretha would love for her grandbabies to sing her stuff. So this is Grace, her grandbaby.”
Grace was equally excited during the performance, naming “Ain’t No Way” as her favorite song by her grandmother.
“I’m so happy to be here. I’m just so happy for my grandma to be honored in such an amazing way,” Grace said. “I’m going to be singing ‘Ain’t No Way’ for y’all. This is my favorite song by my grandma. I hope y’all enjoy it.
Respect is in theaters now.