Former FLOTUS Michelle Obama gives emotional thank you to Jennifer Hudson
Favorite moments from The Spirit Tunnel at J-Hud's talk show
Whenever I see Vice President Kamala Harris nowadays, it’s like looking at “the one that got away” proposing to his new girlfriend. You wanted this person to be around, and 74,898,009 tried to avoid a nightmare for the next four years. Racism, sexism and all the phobias got in your way.
You can’t even pull a Dwayne Wayne at Whitley Gilbert’s wedding to Byron Davis. You know every possible thing is wrong about the other person, but you legally cannot “crash” this wedding the way he did.
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With former FLOTUS Michelle Obama, it’s a little different. We actually got to form a full relationship with her for eight years, along with her charming-as-hell husband former President Barack H. Obama. (He called his own self “charming.” Watch “The Pivot Podcast” interview. It was almost as funny as the time he was on “Desus & Mero” when he kept insulting the Knicks.) I don’t always agree with every opinion from either of the two (and still have a bone to pick with the Springfield chapter in her book), but I’m still showing every last tooth in my mouth whenever I see her.
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I knew she was going to bring it on Jennifer Hudson’s Spirit Tunnel, and I absolutely love watching celebrities’ surprised reactions when they see that hallway.
But one of the most heartfelt moments for me — even though my mother is alive and texting me, complaining about buying “boring broccoli” for my vegetarian grocery list — was listening to her “thank you” to Jennifer Hudson for singing at the funeral of Obama’s late mother Marian Robinson, who passed away on May 31, 2024. As soon as she started her “thank you,” my eyelashes got a fresh shower. Still, it was a special moment to watch, especially knowing JHud’s own family history.
My top 13 moments from Jennifer Hudson’s Spirit Tunnel
While you’re watching this interview, feel free to check out my absolute favorite moments from The Tunnel, where celebrities are caught off-guard to get their own “Soul Train”-esque line to meet JHud.
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I am purposely not sharing clearly staged videos from folks who asked for a Take 2. The Spirit Tunnel is amazing because of the first reaction and how they play it off. Watch it in all its glory.
Smokey Robinson and Halle Bailey
I thought they were going to just keep it cute until I heard “Smokey, Smokey, Smokey, Halle, Halle, Halle.” Then, it got real Motown!
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Marvin Sapp
I was not ready for him to switch it up so fast as soon as they stomped their feet. He was a little too good, and that made me wonder, “Is he in a frat?” To my absolute surprise, he is a Kappa Alpha Psi. Checks out!
Ted Danson
I have watched every single episode of “Cheers” and some multiple times. But this is my favorite, even though he was off beat, because he busted out with an air guitar. Gotta love Sam Malone!
Jon Batiste
He was so happy that he made me happier!
The Property Brothers
They committed to making this a moment. I don’t know if they practiced, but I was ecstatic to see this play out.
Jason Derulo
I liked the song they made up for him more than him dancing, but his reaction was so warm.
Warren G
I don’t think he knew he was supposed to keep walking, but I was enjoying his two-step.
Blair Underwood
I’m not saying we may have missed one cast member in “Stomp the Yard,” but I’m not not telling you that either.
Tia Mowry
The genuine shock gets me every single time, especially when they immediately go right into the beat. She stood on business, no nervous chuckling here. Just grooving.
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D-Nice
He got into the beat so quickly that you would’ve swore he told them what to chant. Good deejays perfect that! I didn’t know he was so handsome though.
Kerry Washington and the ladies of “The Six Triple Eight”
Ebony Obsidian’s reaction cracked me up so much that I kept replaying it to see her, but then the women behind her immediately got into formation. I thought Kerry Washington and the last lady were going to bust out with a Sidney and Sharane choreo routine with the way they were feeding off of each other.
Lucky Daye
His reaction was so magnetic that I forgot I was supposed to be taking a screenshot and had to start over.
Sterling K. Brown and Ryan Michelle Bathe
I loved them on “Black Love” but didn’t think they’d go on to do a podcast. Although they’re closer to my age, they remind me so much of my parents. When Sterling talks, I hear my father’s voice coming out of his mouth, and his and my father’s family are both from St. Louis. If I see him at a family reunion, all I’m going to say is, “I told you so!”
Listen (or watch) their podcast “We Don’t Always Agree” after you enjoy these two dancing.
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