Before there was the talk show and the movie appearances, there was a stage and a 21-year old woman from Chicago. Twenty years later and Jennifer Hudson has only gone on to do amazing things, including winning multiple awards that further prove just how talented she truly is. Raised in the church, Hudson has never strayed too far away from her roots and has a soulful sound that reflects her gospel upbringing through every performance.

via GlobalGrind.com:

Jennifer Hudson is set to bring holiday cheer with her debut holiday album, The Gift of Love. As she celebrates the return of “The Jennifer Hudson Show’s” third season return, the acclaimed entertainer also announces her first every holiday album with a mix of seasonal classics and original songs.

The Gift of Love  is slated for release on October 18 under Interscope Records. This album marks Hudson’s first venture into holiday music, showcasing her unparalleled vocal talent across a mix of Christmas classics and fresh tracks

The album features Hudson’s renditions of beloved holiday favorites such as “O Holy Night,” “Winter Wonderland,” and “Auld Lang Syne,” all delivered with her signature soulful style. In addition to these timeless songs, the album introduces new original pieces, breathing fresh meaning into the holiday season. Among the standout tracks is “Carol of the Bells,” a collaboration with The Joy, a South African quintet known for their fusion of traditional Zulu music and modern a cappella. Another highlight is “Almost Christmas,” an original song featuring Grammy Award winner Common, which promises to become a holiday staple.

RELATED: Kirk Franklin Okay with Being the ‘Jesus Guy,’ Wants Pop Culture to Embrace Gospel Music More

Over the years, Hudson has delivered stellar performances that “took us to church” and it didn’t even have to be Sunday morning. Leaving an imprint and an impression on her fans, the American Idol turned Dream Girl has consistently proven that she holds some of the most powerful vocals of her generation. Her ability to mesh range, her gospel roots, and pure emotion makes every performance feel like a deeply moving experience.

As we celebrate her birthday today (September 12), here are a handful of moments Jennifer Hudson leaned into her gospel roots and immediately took us to church.

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