Jennifer Hudson Channels Whitney Houston's Queen of the Night for Talk Show's Halloween Episode (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

Jennifer Hudson as Whitney Houston in ‘The Bodyguard’ from the Halloween episode of ‘The Jennifer Hudson Show’.Photo:Mitch Haddad/Warner Bros.

Mitch Haddad/Warner Bros.

Jennifer Hudsonis paying tribute to one of the greats thisHalloween.

PEOPLE has an exclusive first look at Hudson in costume from the Oct. 31 episode of the daytime series.

Wearing a similar futuristic ensemble thatHouston wore in the 1992 filmandaccompanying 1993 music video, Hudson looked to be the mirror image of the late star. Every detail was perfectly recreated — from the performance look’s metallic bustier, beaded yoke and chain skirt, to the black bob, silver headpiece, studded black gloves, black leggings and thigh-high leather boots Hudson wore to accessorize.

Jennifer Hudson as Whitney Houston in ‘The Bodyguard’ from the Halloween episode of ‘The Jennifer Hudson Show’.Mitch Haddad/Warner Bros.

“Queen of the Night” was the final single to be released from theBodyguardsoundtrack, which topped the charts and spurred hits like “I Have Nothing,” “Run to You,” “I’m Every Woman” and, of course, “I Will Always Love You.”

Fans may remember that inThe Bodyguard, Houston’s character Rachel Marron’s “Queen of the Night” performance goes left when fans swarm her on stage. But things will surely go more smoothly for Hudson when she sings the tune on her talk show.

It’s not the first time Hudson has covered Houston. After Hudsondied on Feb. 11, 2012, when she accidentally drowned in a hotel room, Hudson performed a stunning rendition of “I Will Always Love You” the next day at the 2012 Grammys. She also sang the song to Houston at theBET Honors in 2010, and in a tribute to Houston earlier this month, at theAmerican Music Awards 50th Anniversary Special.

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Meanwhile, joining Hudson on Thursday’s episode ofThe Jennifer Hudson Showis “HalloQUEEN”Janelle Monáe, according to a release shared with PEOPLE. The singer outdid herself this year with her incredible costume.

*NSYNC’sLance Basswill also join in on the festivities, sharing his love of the holiday.

The Jennifer Hudson Showairs weekdays (check your local listings).

source: people.com