Aretha Franklin Handpicks Jennifer Hudson To Play Her In Upcoming Biopic

Just one day ahead of music’s biggest night, Clive Davis hosted his annual pre-Grammy Gala at the Sheraton Times Square in New York City.

Music’s biggest party kicked off with performances by Migos, Alicia Keys, Khalid, and Logic. During the celebration, the famed music industry exec addressed Beyoncé as the First Lady of Music and presented her husband, Jay-Z, who he described as a “towering talent,” with the 2018 Salute to Industry Icons Award.

The party also included an exclusive from Davis himself, as he introduced Oscar and Grammy winner Jennifer Hudson to sing a few songs for his attendees.

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Davis revealed that Hudson will be playing Aretha Franklin in the forthcoming biopic about the legend’s life, Deadline reports. However, not only will Hudson be playing the Queen of Soul in the new film, but according to the publication, she was handpicked by Franklin, herself.

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According to Deadline, the film will be produced by ‘Straight Outta Compton’’s Scott Bernstein, alongside producer Harvey Mason Jr.