Fantasia Lends Voice to Hudson's Grieving

Posted Nov 4th 2008 3:20AM by TMZ Staff

There was no diva in former "Idol" winner Fantasia Barrino on Monday, when she provided what several accounts say was the "emotional crescendo" for Jennifer Hudson family's memorial service.

The Chicago Tribune reports Oprah, Fantasia, Missy Elliot, Queen Latifah, and Clive Davis were among the celebs who came to the private memorial service in Chicago. Fantasia, who beat out Jennifer in season three of "Idol," sang "Your Grace and Mercy."

"I think it healed Jennifer's soul just then," said a family friend.

Filed under: American Idol


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1. Kudos TMZ. This was just a nice heart warming story. The Hudson family deserve no less. Thanks

Posted at 8:43AM on Nov 4th 2008 by Kate in Topeka

2. That is a great song. I know Fantasia gave it her all! Hopefully Jenifer Hudson is coping with this the best way she can...

Posted at 9:00AM on Nov 4th 2008 by Lynnette

3. of course it was planned. when someone dies and you make funeral arrangements there is a program to follow.
Most of the celebs were there to donate to the new fund J hudson is establishing
She would not dare let Julia hand pick the guests.
The celebs and politicians were there because of previous contacts, movies with Jennifer Hudson.The mayor was there
because his city is under seige by the media for an arrest and conviction in this case.
Of course she did not want to let the gang members and drug dealers into the funeral.
The dealers and gang members , if they chose, had to go to the public memorial
I do not see a conviction in this case because everyone in this case has a criminal background and the family was
dealing in criminal activities all along
The little boy is the only innocent victim. All the others were willing participants in the drug dealing, which is a
criminal enterprise.
There was just a case in Florida where the grandfather owed money to the Mexicans for drugs and they kidnapped
his grandson.
They had so much media coverage, that the little boy was turned loose. The FBI was also involved.
I think that is why the FBI came in this case, because there is no way Little Julian was taken across state lines
RIP


Posted at 9:01AM on Nov 4th 2008 by crazy girl

4. Singing is hard period. Singing at a funeral is sad. Singing for a friend at the funeral of her mom, brother & young nephew is unimaginable. I give a lot of respect to those who came to be by the Hudson families side. I highly doubt the famous people came to exploit their names. They came to pay respect as they would want others to pay respect for them as human beings with a heart and compassion. Queen Latifahs brother was gunned down accidentally years ago. Bless her for being there for Jennifer becuase I bet the wounds of losing her brother all those years ago was reopened because stuff like that never heals. Bless everyone even the haters.

Posted at 9:11AM on Nov 4th 2008 by Celeb or Not

5. I'm glad the family is getting a lot of support. I hope they got some measure of peace and closure from the service. I can't imagine how hard it will be to get back to everyday living.

Posted at 9:12AM on Nov 4th 2008 by verysad

6. I'm so so sorry to hear about Jennifer's family and it was so nice that Fantasia was there and able to sing for her.

Posted at 9:13AM on Nov 4th 2008 by necola

7. I am sure Jenifer would give back all her fame to have her family back, this is the saddest celebrity story this year.

Posted at 9:17AM on Nov 4th 2008 by Kelli

8. This is such a heartbreaking story. I don't know how she is managing to cope. I think those stars who attended have become friends with her. I read that Clive Davis has helped her a great deal with her career. I wish her the very best.

Posted at 10:01AM on Nov 4th 2008 by Melissa

9. FYI #4 & #5....THE LITTLE BOY WAS KIDNAPPED IN LAS VEGAS, NEVADA & QUEEN LATIFAH'S BROTHER DIED FROM A MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT.

Posted at 10:09AM on Nov 4th 2008 by FACTS

10. Why in the world is Oprah there? Other than to try to get Jennifer to come onto her show after what is deemed a long enough grieving process?? Oprah is out for herself and her show.

Posted at 10:10AM on Nov 4th 2008 by Feel Bad

11. Hopefully Fantasia didn't wear that RIDICULOUS red wig to the funeral...

Posted at 10:29AM on Nov 4th 2008 by hmmmm

12. #11 Oprah is friends with Jennifer she's been on Oprah's show a number of times so why wouldn't she want to lend her support? I strongly doubt that Jennifer would sit down with anybody for an interview. It's gonna be over a year or some years for her to be able to accept this tragedy. Let alone talk about it. If Oprah was out for herself and her show don'tcha think she would've had cameras following her?

Posted at 10:52AM on Nov 4th 2008 by joker112lava

13. Fantasia is a talented vocalist and I think it was great of her to have sung at the funeral. It could not have been easy for her.

Posted at 11:06AM on Nov 4th 2008 by ummmmm

14. ONE THING I DO KNOW, EVEN IF FANTAISA'S HAIR WAS "RED" AT THE FUNERAL, WHEN SHE STOOD BACK IN HER LEGS, CLOSED HER EYES AND HELD HER HEAD BACK AND OPENED HER MOUTH, "SHE TURNED IT OUT." SHE SUNG FROM HER HEART AND SOUL FOR HER FRIEND, JENNIFER AND HER FAMILY. THAT'S WHAT A REAL FRIEND IS. I JUST WISH I COULD HAVE HEARD HER SING THAT SONG....

Posted at 11:37AM on Nov 4th 2008 by Ms Rose Mary

15. #11 believe me when I say that Oprah does not need Jennifer for her show. If she never sees Jennifer again her show will continue to be a success. Trust that!!!

Posted at 11:51AM on Nov 4th 2008 by Fresh Air

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