'I Know Where I've Been' Jennifer Hudson | HAIRSPRAY Live!

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Jennifer Hudson brings the house down with this powerful and moving rendition of 'I Know Where I've Been' from Hairspray Live.
From Hairspray Live (2016): Hairspray Live! tells the inspiring story of Tracy Turnblad (newcomer Maddie Baillio), a plump teen in 1962 Baltimore who wins a spot on a local TV dance program and ignites a campaign to integrate the show. The three-hour live event is directed by Tony Award®-winner Kenny Leon and features choreography from Tony Award®-winner Jerry Mitchell. The all-star cast includes Kristin Chenoweth, Harvey Fierstein, Ariana Grande, Derek Hough, Jennifer Hudson and Martin Short. (Original Title - Hairspray Live!) - 2016 Universal Studios. All Rights Reserved.
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#Hairspray #JenniferHudson #TheShowsMustGoOn #Musicals

[@TheShowsMustGoOn]

Want more Hairspray? Look no further - bit.ly/3pY6Gis

[@riccotherealesssttt9725]

FIRST LIKE

[@talichavalentin788]

Mooi

[@stormphoenix8682]

Jennifer should’ve won a Emmy for this

[@pu_biel7283]

Ye but the song is not hers sadly :/

[@len.4228]

@@pu_biel7283 for best performance or something but she need more than one award for this 😭

[@wolfwang8464]

@@pu_biel7283doesn’t have to be her song to win an Emmy,

[@Hoagie24]

@@pu_biel7283Emmy for the role

[@wade1593]

More like a Tony

[@RioMuc]

Jennifer can even read the operating manual of a wash machine and still it will sound like music to my ears!

[@Wiley_Coyote]

Maybe, but instead she got an incredible song to perform. A relevant one when it was written, when she performed it for this, for the time the show was set, and sadly, for this very week in history.

[@maxinezook3835]

She's fantastic! Been a fan of her since she 1st appeared on American Idol.

[@jeremiahtray5621]

@@maxinezook3835 Her voice changed.

[@andreasanchez3557]

Her voice is so pretty

[@tradingguy1004]

Same to me, AMEN!!!!!!

[@the_madhadder]

So appropriate for what is happening right now.

[@Wiley_Coyote]

Pretty much dead on for these past 2 weeks of history.

[@lukebrown9315]

Yes completely appropriate

[@PraisingWithFriends]

Came here to listen for that very reason.

[@evilwaffless9283]

jesus get a grip

[@Gmez759]

QUINON Jonah the fact you said ‘these Africans Americans’ means you’re not African American so you seriously cannot speak for us. This song is entirely relevant for us today. You say *they* grew up getting hanged- well 5 black men have been found hanged in different states this same week by cops and all have been labelled suicide. You said back in the day *they* were getting shot. Well George Floyd and Breonna Taylor were shot and killed by the cops with ZERO media coverage. Was it worse then? Absolutely, no one said it wasn’t. But black people are still being targeted and suffering simply for being black and that’s not okay. Period.

[@carlosangel9404]

You can physically see how much of her own feelings she pours into this. The pain in her voice sends shocks through your entire nervous system. Truly beautiful.

[@ArtComMusic]

Ikr? Especially considering the loss that she had experienced in her family.

[@time4love216]

🔥🔥🔥

[@darkfaerie882]

All renditions of this song are powerful but this one just hits different.

[@robinsonshe06]

ashiana Especially right now... ❤️

[@StoryMing]

Yes. It really does. Just a different experience than the other previous renditions I’ve heard.

[@ztramsey93]

For me, its because I know she's endured horrors that no one should be subjected to. Her life was hit with something so devastating, and she came back to us, her fans, powerful. She is truly a gift. Having this woman sing this song, and being in the room... I can't even imagine. I am suprised they were able to hold their tears, because I CEARTAINLY was not able to. I love her so much. Her essecene coming up behind Cindy(?) after she hit that note with the power only Black women have, wrapped her arm around her. Sobbing. When she went back to the dynamites, I BAWLED. I still cry. so good

[@haroldtia4608]

I think that the one performed in Glee was better

[@stinky6521]

@@haroldtia4608 read the room lmfao

[@mocha-frapppé]

this musical takes place in the 60's but how can the problem still happening today, in the year 2020? HOW??

[@Hamlet2369]

Racism is taught...the chains have not been broken yet...who knows if they ever will. I have faith in the human spirit tho...

[@michaelgaynor6866]

@@Hamlet2369 so true, so true! I hope so too!

[@nesq4104]

The problem was never solved just repackaged

[@garrettwood4866]

Because there are racist assholes out there that don’t give a shit about others. Black lives matter to!!!

[@faith4disney]

The problem has been happening for hundreds of years. We'll get there.

[@elycem6795]

The fact that she brought her castmates to tears (look at 4:00 link is crying, and Tracy as well ) is just another testament to her talent and the power of music.

[@nifty2bthrifty366]

even had Seaweed crying at 3:00

[@StoryMing]

And Li’l Inez looks up at Link, casually brushes away the tear, and smiles. Wow.

[@SaintRanson]

The part when she goes, “cause just to sit still would be a sin..” ... my my my!!! Chills!!

[@ClipsByLaura]

At 4:00 you can see little Shahadi wiping a tear off of Garrett's cheek. Get's me every time 😢

[@ryebread9299]

I love that. Garret is so damn cute

[@Lizwindsor]

PenguinorPanda truth

[@musicmasher3425]

Jennifer can make anyone cry. So emotional

[@mycuzzinvinni]

I wonder if that was staged. but i don't think so.

[@yamada6739]

Awww that made my heart melt

[@mee5780]

Respect to Maddie (Tracy) for not bawling her eyes out. I was gone by the 3rd line 😭😂. JHud incredible as per usual.

[@theshmoo560]

She does have a tear track at the very end of the song

[@emiliemilne5449]

You can see her towards the end with tears on her face. And at 4:00 you can see “Inez” wiping “Link”s face cause he was crying

[@brandimcbride610]

I can't do it...in my feelings everytime

[@dopaminefiend6182]

I'm pretty sure she was already crying at 3:12 ... so was I. I've heard this song over 100 times, it gets me every single time. Amazing, both Jennifer and Queen Latifah sing it beautifully, with so much soul and raw emotion.

[@ChocoBerry_12]

Yall are so immature like grow up. Build a bridge and get over it. I’m 11 and I didn’t even shed a tear at that. AND I’m black.

[@kaitlynjazmine1436]

JENNIFER BLEW THE HELL OUT OF THIS

[@Dahjonruby]

She really did

[@donnasharpe3451]

You need to hear Darlene Love. Chills.

[@lersimoneau8438]

The AUDIBLE sniffle by the white actor in the background as she hits that last note. And the little girl wiping it away and smiling because it wasn't planned - AMAZING.

[@catalinadillonosorio2133]

The people who disliked are just jealous of her incredible talent

[@genderenigma8276]

no, their eyes were too filled with tears and missed the "Like" Button

[@winneton9323]

Positivity at its best.

[@bleezuss1436]

most definitely.

[@200300646]

Well, her acting isn’t up to par, but these vocals are my favorite to this song just not the performance....

[@StoryMing]

@the gay nomad Queen Latifah is great, but to me this just has MUCH more emotional power. Queen Latifah’s rendition is uplifting, inspirational; a message of comfort, encouragement and hope (à la Hallmark). This one, by Jennifer Hudson, Is a _soul-cry_. -I hear in it all the pain, anguish, and grief of the journey, as well as as an utterly unshakable resolve not only to make it to the destination, but to arrive victorious.

[@mommak10]

“Children you are not the first to try and you won’t be the last....” gives me chills ✊🏿 RIP George Floyd

[@sodivine714]

mommak10 those words you wrote, will be passed from generation to generation. Just like our ancestors before us.😢❤️

[@shelbygwiza9861]

Sarah-Jade White i mean it’s not just americans racism is everywhere but i agree

[@shelbygwiza9861]

TRUMP2020 WhiteisKING ppppffffttttt chile anyways 🤮

[@jordon7079]

George Floyd? The man who held a gun to a pregnant womans stomach and robbed her. What a joke.

[@crispri3919]

@@jordon7079 He did that while being kneeled on the ground? Oh I thought so. Those cops nor you are judge jury and executioner.

[@philmbrookesmusic]

One of the greatest vocalists of our time and so underrated at the same time. She deserves the success and recognition that she's already had tenfold.

[@hdog24]

the level of soul in her voice is almost unmatched

[@chocothun1]

She SNAPPED on these vocals!! I Stan.

[@naturalbby1722]

WHEN DOES SHE NOT!!! SHE THE PRINCESS OF SOUL

[@musicmasher3425]

There’s something special in the way JHud connects to the lyrics of song she sings. She doesn’t just sing or perform, she tells a story and lets you feel what she’s feeling at every moment. Such an underrated artist.

[@iago07]

Ok Jennifer just made that song impossible for ANYONE else to sing. My goodness... SO MUCH SOUL, SO MUCH STANK 😩

[@TheAngelofthesea]

Listen to Alex Newell she has some competition there. Lol

[@gxl5892]

@@TheAngelofthesea Yes agree Alex is really good singing this song, but Jennifer's transition's from chest voice to head voice to falsetto is just ridiculous.

[@danielmitchell5184]

Did we forget about Queen Latifah's powerful performance? She killed it just like Jennifer Hudson and Alex Newell

[@brianmccoy100]

Do not forget y’all.. this was LIVE 💯

[@brittanyzecha4923]

I was on the verge of tears and then I saw that Garret was crying and I started crying. Jennifer sang it beautifully !

[@lilyhagen1926]

ME TOO!!!! Then when I saw the girl who plays Inez wipe away one of his tears at 4:00 I started crying even more!

[@LynseyDeVill]

✊🏽✊🏾✊🏿 So much soul, so much pain! We need to accept our wrong doings and help our POC communities rise up!

[@Lizwindsor]

Lynsey Bennett Amen 🙏

[@dv96_dk]

Only they can do that

[@miablanks9310]

Daniel Vestholm no al of us can all races

[@getertk]

Baby she blew the roof out with that performance. Powerhouse

[@darreylhenderson702]

"Use that pride in our hearts to lift us up till tomorrow, cause Just to sit still would be a sin" - this song right here is our anthem for right now!

[@pulido2160]

“Children you are not the first to try, and you will not be the last”

[@BBFenty]

Ladies and gentlemen. The incredible Jennifer Hudson!

[@SamTemple]

There's no way i could've been part of that cast without open-mouth ugly crying in the back during this scene

[@giisides2870]

I remember watching this live and seeing how people were crying actual tears on stage, still gets me

[@marivillalobosgonzalez3071]

"Just to sit still would be a sin". My favorite sentence of the song and very accurate for what's happening lately.

[@bradleyrichard]

This came out about a month after the 2016 election. It was pretty painful time for a lot of people then, and this performance hit just the right nerve. It gave us hope in a time where we thought we were headed in the wrong direction. And now, in 2020, the same is happening. Police brutality seems to be getting worse and worse. This performance is exactly what we need right now. Even the emotion in Maddie Baillio (Tracy) and Garrett Clayton (Link) when they were watching everyone else sing. You could see how moved they were. The same goes for anyone watching this. Tears down my cheek.

[@robinsonshe06]

Jhud coming through with an ANTHEM for today’s times... 🤗🤗🤗❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@joanne4758]

I'm embarrassed to say this is the first time I have really listened to the words - took on a whole new meaning.

[@StoryMing]

Me too. Part of it’s the current context, I think; but I still find listening to this rendition is a different experience than listening to, say, Queen Latifah’s.

[@exox7534]

😑

[@lexxussmith7467]

Jennifer Hudson vocals are so amazing she needs to win a Emmy for this

[@donnasharpe3451]

She was good, but listen to Darlene Love singing it on stage. She hits that last note like a hammer.

[@FricelGabriel]

she's just EGOT now!!!

[@irvinjyi]

I thought Queen Latifah gave this song justice but Jhud's version is just on another level!

[@dianaw219]

It's heartbreaking how current this song still is 60 years after this musical was set.

[@joshuanesbit]

this is astonishingly, the woman is a beast of an artist.

[@hinderless5811]

3:33 Brings me to tears everytime. Just enough pride to get us to tomorrow.

[@wendigowithwifi8494]

she literally had the entire cast crying and the even the camera man.

[@lparrish89]

She absolutely sung the house down with this song, highlight of the entire show

[@meganhash7840]

People complained about Hairspray live but I didn't see a SINGLE complaint here, and rightfully so, because this is GOD TIER

[@honeyOTU_]

no matter what Jennifer sings she sings with so much passion you can’t help but be mesmerized

[@suesensenig548]

I hadn’t seen this til now but watched it after watching the Glee version and Queen Latifah version. Love all three but my God, this one brought me to tears for the rawness of emotion.

[@joeinmish]

Every time I hear Jennifer Hudson sing the song, it still brings a tears to my eyes with her amazing voice, and I noticed even the cast behind her was crying. There is no way anyone could not be move with this song. I fell in love with this song from the movie hairspray when queen Latifah sang it, and it only strengthened my love for this song, when I heard the live version from Jennifer Hudson. All I can say is bravo.!!❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@benonirivera5112]

Jesus, j-hud has the voice of an angel, she just nails everything and makes you wanna cry

[@jesuspectre9883]

The truth in this performance just shakes you.

[@livia5214]

i think it’s so impactful how tracy, penny, and link don’t sing til the very end. it shows how although they haven’t faced this discrimination themselves, they see that it’s a problem and they wanna do everything they can to help fight it.

[@wuhhhhhhh]

i have never heard jennifer hudson's voice until now. i feel utterly robbed having not experienced this sheer and utter talent im floored

[@iamxtwofhatman4261]

Her voice is just captivating as soon as she starts singing...

[@wendywhaliams3299]

The first time I heard this, it was pertaining to trans-awareness and it was sung amazingly by Alex Newell on Glee. When I learnt It was actually about BLM I listened to Queen Latifah’s rendition and loved the song even more. Years later I heard that Jhud would be singing it in Hairspray live and was so excited. Definitely my favorite musical number.

[@michaelgaynor6866]

Tears in this man's eye's here in Philadelphia, Pa. Stay Strong and Stay Well Everybody!

[@louieporcarelli2959]

South philly strong 👍

[@n25bast]

The emotion the cast was feeling in that scene was very real. This was right after the 2016 election, and it feels even more powerful now.

[@BiGPeanutGaming]

Jhud is literally the best person for this role omg

[@kylejnicholson]

Just imagine being that close to her while she's singing. I think I would be overwhelmed.

[@treasure2behold282]

Jennifer can sing through the entire songbook of most stars.

[@jheuzthemusical]

There's a light in the darkness Though the night is black as my skin There's a light burning bright Showing me the way But I know where I've been There's a cry in the distance It's a voice that comes from deep within There's a cry asking why I pray the answer's up ahead 'Cause I know where I've been There's a road we've been travelin' Lost so many on the way But the riches will be plenty Worth the price The price we had to pay There's a dream in the future There's a struggle we have yet to win And there's pride in my heart 'Cause I know where I'm going, yeah And I know where I've been, yeah (There's a road) There's a road (We must travel) We must travel y'all (There's a promise) There is a promise (We must make) That we must make (But the riches) Oh but the riches will be plenty, riches will... (Worth the risks) Worth the risks and the chances that we take There's a dream, in the future There's a struggle we have yet to win Use pride in our hearts To lift us up to tomorrow 'Cause just to sit still would be a sin (I know it, I know it, I know where I'm going) Lord said I know.... where I've been (I'll give thanks to my God 'Cause I know where I've been)

[@mominseattle1]

This was live. Wow. One of the best and most moving performances I have seen in my life. I keep coming back to watch this, and I still get goosebumps every time.

[@kyleburgess2834]

Am I the only one who perfers this key rather than the original? This was epic!

[@vidatalab8301]

That last sustain gets me everytime

[@SyahmiRosli]

When a song makes you feel... that's a good song. When the singer makes you swell up, you know she's great.

[@coffeecrumbs2036]

Sounds like a gospel. And I love it. Amazing job.

[@inmyOWN_world]

The voice… she had some of the cast mates crying! Beautiful ❤

[@leabourgade7099]

Not me having watched this countless times and still bawling my eyes out 😭😭😭

[@thewonderlander1372]

This song and rendition is just amazing!

[@kylecatdad]

This is the honestly the best version I’ve ever heard of this song..

[@JG.Artistry]

literally brought tears to my eyes, JHudson never fails

[@luminitsalemesianou1245]

When Jennifer is singing she is real and makes you understand the story of every song. Great great big singer in the world

[@georgesanchez2445]

Lord this woman is freaking amazing!

[@jasonjohnson3589]

Truly a once in a generation voice on this woman.

[@amaliaioan2697]

I wish to be a duet between Jennifer Hudson and Queen Latifah singing this song. Will be amazing.

[@tigrefofo3853]

I think i got some water in my eyes. JHud such an awesome soprano and soul

[@Clayysmitth]

SING IT JHUD!!!! What an icon!!! You can’t see it but I’m throwin my shoe!!!!

[@marcus6873]

Jennifer is from another world

[@shanecolwell5456]

She was captivating in this role. I think it shows with the actor playing Link getting emotional during the performance

[@うゆ-z2w]

This song has a very important message.We must never forget about this.

[@danielledevine24]

THIS MADE ME SO EMOTIONAL. she is insane

[@davidcattin7006]

I saw this in a community theater production and it brought me to tears. One of the actors saw me crying and lost it too. It was an amazing moment.

[@evergreene186]

brother in the front couldn't hold back chills when she started singing. amen ✊🏼

[@katapruiz]

If I were part of the cast, I'd forget my stage cues and just sit in awe of her performance. Especially being so close to feel the air vibrate with the power of her voice and emotions

[@gustavoborges1779]

I say this to very few people but Jennifer is a LEGEND

[@kennethchia4194]

I'm glad this is online. First time seeing "Wicked" was maybe a week or so later with these two when I was visiting London and it was an incredible performance.

[@PatrickKCompton]

You think Jennifer Hudson did a mic drop at the end of this? Nope. She didn't even need one! Sing it Jennifer!!!

[@panayiotis33]

Jennifer Hudson there is no one like you! You are the Amazing Grace of song!

[@Beafteck89]

Man. Just that feeling you get. You know what I mean? When someone hits the higher level over song and it becomes “god”. Just can’t describe it but I’ll bask in it as much as I can..

[@pallisterproductions3491]

I love every version of Hairspray I've seen but Jennifer Hudson has sang this best in my opinion

[@adamautumn2329]

Should be titled Emmy winning performance

[@cataciudad]

Little Inez wiping Link's tear is such a small detail but so cute, if I was standing right there singing with Jennifer Hudson I would be crying too.

[@Hummingbird-yu3kt]

Jennifer Hudson is one of the best vocalists I have heard in a long time. She's like this generation's Gladys Knight and Whitney. Amazing!

[@karoljosifmorcillos8433]

Tears..and more tears! Black lives matter! 😭👏❤️

[@fabiomaia7030]

The voice of our generation !

[@ohhuang5569]

Jennifer's singin like she's tellin a story

[@johnthegreek5836]

She keeps getting better and better She can sing anything and will be a legend in the Music industry

[@mayt2191]

JENNIFER HUDSON YOU AMAZING DAAAAAMN WHY YOU DO THIS TO MY SOÛL 😢🔥❤️

[@singkduck]

No matter how many times I watch this, I still cry

[@hannahbarrera3488]

Ephrain Sykes had tears running down his face. You could see the pain and heartache through his expressions. Such a sweet and good soul, bless his heart. One of the best Broadway figures out there, he will only continue to grow into the legend that he is. Love him.

[@fpvv4]

This song gives me goosebumps every time i listen to it. Thank you for Jennifer Hudson for lending her talent in this musical. This musical is still very relevant in this day and age

[@pwtmn]

Outstanding performance by JHud! Vocals + Emotion - 10/10 !

[@Jwhitehd]

Baby Holding That High Note At 1:13 WoW !!!!!!!!!!! Reminds Me Of "Aint No Way " High Note

[@tradingguy1004]

JHud is soooooo unbelievably good, I could listen to her and Whitney all day and night long, I hardly need anyone else ;) :)

[@joshuareid7693]

This is on another level! Incredible!