Jennifer Hudson hits a fashion high note as she dazzles fans with Aretha Franklin tracks

Jennifer Hudson hit the stage at Harlem’s historic Apollo Theater this Thursday night and regaled the crowd with Aretha Franklin songs.

The 39-year-old singing star has played Aretha in a brand-new biopic called Respect that bowed in theaters last Friday.

And now Jennifer has brought Aretha’s music back to the Apollo in what WPIX reports is the iconic music hall’s first show since last March.

Glamour: Jennifer Hudson hit the stage at Harlem’s historic Apollo Theater this Thursday night and regaled the crowd with Aretha Franklin songs

‘It’s a dream come true to perform at the Apollo and an honor to celebrate with Ms. Franklin’s music, who has been an inspiration to me my entire life,’ said Jennifer.

‘I continue to be in awe of black female role models who serve as activists and advocates in their communities,’ the Dreamgirls Oscar-winner continued.

The Apollo has long been an iconic venue for black performers through the decades, from Bessie Smith to Billie Holiday to Michael Jackson to Mary J. Blige.

When Aretha was booked for a five-day engagement at the Apollo back in 1971 the marquee welcomed her: ‘SHE’S HOME.’ 

Stilettos: The 39-year-old singing star has played Aretha in a brand-new biopic called Respect that bowed in theaters last Friday

Thrilled: ‘It’s a dream come true to perform at the Apollo and an honor to celebrate with Ms. Franklin’s music, who has been an inspiration to me my entire life,’ said Jennifer

Guidelines: After shutting down for the coronavirus lockdowns last year the venue conducted its reopening show this week with both mask and vaccine mandates

After shutting down for the coronavirus lockdowns last year the venue conducted its reopening show this week with both mask and vaccine mandates.

Jennifer was throwback chic onstage this Thursday night in a clinging deep gold sequined gown redolent of the 1960s.

She could also be seen onstage modeling a flowing electric pink dress that was cut off above the knees to show off her shapely legs. 

That’s showbiz: Jennifer was throwback chic onstage this Thursday night in a clinging deep gold sequined gown redolent of the 1960s

When you got it: She could also be seen onstage modeling a flowing electric pink dress that was cut off above the knees to show off her shapely legs

Since its release Respect earned mixed reviews to the tune of 66% on Rotten Tomatoes but a strong audience response with an A on CinemaScore.

Before her death in 2018 Aretha gave Jennifer her personal approval to play her in the biopic, Jennifer told InStyle in a recent profile. 

Jennifer shared: ‘She said: “Jennifer, you’re going to do this.” I’m like: “Well, I’ll do it if she says I can do it, if she thinks I can.” That’s Ms. Franklin!’ 

Esteemed company: The Apollo has long been an iconic venue for black performers through the decades, from Bessie Smith to Billie Holiday to Michael Jackson to Mary J. Blige

Imprimatur: Before her death in 2018 Aretha gave Jennifer her personal approval to play her in the biopic, Jennifer told InStyle in a recent profile

Meanwhile: Since its release Respect earned mixed reviews to the tune of 66% on Rotten Tomatoes but a strong audience response with an A on CinemaScore

While Respect, the Aretha biopic starring Jennifer, has been sanctioned by her family it is not the only recent portrayal to have been made. 

Cynthia Erivo starred in a miniseries as part of the National Geographic anthology show Genius which previously covered Einstein and Picasso.

Aretha’s relatives denounced the show and her granddaughter Grace said on TikTok that the makers had refused the family’s attempts to be involved with it.

Grand reopening: Now Jennifer has brought Aretha’s music back to the Apollo in what WPIX reports is the iconic music hall’s first show since last March