Jennifer Hudson shares why she thinks Aretha Franklin cast her for 'Respect'

By Megan Armstrong | Last updated 8/9/21

Respect, the definitive Aretha Franklin biopic, premiered at Regency Village and Bruin Theatre in Los Angeles on Sunday (Aug. 8). While walking the red carpet, Jennifer Hudson was asked by Variety why she was handpicked by the late Queen of Soul herself to portray Franklin.

"I’m so mad at myself for not asking her that question," the Grammy and Oscar winner responded. "But I feel like while we were filming, I think it goes beyond the singing and how Jennifer sings and acts. It's within the scene when Aretha's mother comes to her; it felt so true to my own life."

"And in the moment I was like, 'I don’t think I would’ve been able to tell the story without my own life experience and triumphs,' and I feel like she saw far more than what I saw," Hudson continued. "In that moment, I said, 'This is what it was—this is why.' It was things that I discovered throughout the film that at least I told myself, 'This must be the reason.'"

Earlier in the day, the 39-year-old shared a flick from the first time she met Franklin in 2004:

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It was also in 2004 that Hudson auditioned for American Idol with Franklin's "Share Your Love With Me," and she ultimately finished seventh in the third season of the competition series.

Last week, Hudson joined E! News' Daily Pop to further discuss the last conversation she ever had with Franklin as well as the added pressure that came with being specifically chosen for Respect:

Franklin, an 18-time Grammy winner and cultural pioneer, died Aug. 16, 2018, at 76 years old after a battle with pancreatic cancer.

Respect was directed by Leisl Tommy and stars Forest Whitaker, Audra McDonald, Marlon Wayans and Tituss Burgess alongside Hudson. The film hits theaters Friday (Aug. 13). Watch the trailer below.