What an incredible surprise moment Gwen Stefani pulled off on The Jennifer Hudson Show! Behind the scenes, we have footage of Jennifer and Gwen, as well as Gwen’s husband, Blake Shelton, goofing around, and it is seriously cute. Also, Gwen’s surprise is all about showing love and appreciation for Jennifer, and that makes it very sweet indeed.
In a magnificent show of music, dance, and pure star power, the eternally youthful Gwen Stefani stole the spotlight even before she entered the stage of the Jennifer Hudson Show. The event packed the audience members and the crew into a buoyant atmosphere reminiscent of an unexpected celebration for a beloved musical icon. As Stefani’s arrival drew ever closer, the whispers among the audience members and crew presaged a surprise element that would make the day feel even more special. And what could be more special than taking the audience on a trip down memory lane to revisit some classic Stefani moments? Indeed, after an energizing performance of a remix of “Hollaback Girl,” the first segment of the tribute was a nostalgic recap of early ‘2000s pop culture relevant to Stefani.
But this remix was something special. Stefani’s crew put their heart into the homage, and it showed as they layered the “S E F A N I” chorus over what was an already great pop song. The result was a euphoric half-time show standing on admiration for Momma Pop. And it got Momma Pop moving, partly because the remix was so good and partly because new-mom-to-be Stefani has always had the unique flair and energy to get a crowd going. And her dance moves were no less commanding than usual. Of course, Stefani’s reaction to this was priceless. She said something like, “I just want to hear you sing it back to me,” clutching her chest like a girl in the front row at a Backstreet Boys concert. And sing it back, they did.
The charm of the show is enhanced by the fact that Gwen is not alone in being the recipient of such special treatment. Indeed, iconic figures like Angela Bassett have also enjoyed their own distinctive, star-packed performances on Hudson’s stage, each making it clear just how much love and respect are showered upon the guests of the show. Heartwarming surprises for the show’s guests are masterminded by none other than Hudson herself. Accordingly, one would expect Hudson to enjoy the “V.I.P.” of hugs and high-fives since she, unlike her guests, is always on stage. She shared, “I never feel more honored than when I get the chance to hug Angela Bassett.”
As if the spirited fanfare were not enough, Hudson gets showered with even more affection by her ever-loyal crew—if you are going to cover this show, you might as well call it “The Jennifer Hudson Fanfare.” Hudson herself has the most fun of anyone while doing this show. I don’t know how much more I can emphasize that. The pride and pure positive energy in this show is totally infectious. Hudson is so full of gratitude and admiration for all the guests she has, no matter who they are. It is just as fun for the audience to watch as it must be for Hudson and her crew to make.
The Jennifer Hudson Show is not your standard talk show. We can be fairly certain of that. Hudson herself might say it more simply: “This ain’t no ordinary talk show.” And it’s not. Hudson hosts a nightly gathering—talking, listening, laughing with her audience, and that audience taking part in a shared celebration of Hudson’s life, her remarkable talent, and the unpredictable whimsies of the show itself.
