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While fans can't say exactly how the World Cup 2026 final will play out, one of the certainties is that widely-acclaimed singer and actress Jennifer Hudson will perform the U.S. national anthem just before opening kickoff.
The two-time Grammy Award winner has grown quite a name for herself through her stellar voice when she performs in front of a microphone. What started as a participant on "American Idol" in 2006 evolved into an artist whose mediums span both the big screen and the stage.
Now, Hudson is set to perform ahead of the most-viewed sports event in the world. Not everyone is completely familiar with the artist, however, along with the streaming numbers she has earned throughout her career.
Here's the rundown on who Hudson is and why she was chosen to sing the U.S. national anthem.
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Who is Jennifer Hudson?
Hudson is an American singer and actress. She was born on September 12, 1981, in Chicago, Ill., according to her IMDb profile.
She began her ascent into stardom in 2004 when she was a finalist on season 3 of "American Idol." In 2006, Hudson starred in "Dreamgirls" and won both an Academy Award and a Golden Globe award for her performance as Effie White.
Off the big screen, Hudson won her first Grammy Award in 2009 for best R&B album "Jennifer Hudson." Around seven years later, she was back on the Grammy stage for her "The Color Purple" album.
FIFA announced that Hudson would be performing the U.S. national anthem leading up to the 2026 World Cup final match. The singer and actress was picked likely due to her popularity in America, along with her unparalleled voice.
Opening the Final with a star-studded list of performers 🤩#FIFAWorldCup
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) July 14, 2026Earlier this month, Hudson performed "America the Beautiful" at the 2026 MLB All-Star Game.
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Jennifer Hudson songs, lyrics
According to Kworb, Hudson has released or been featured on 133 songs throughout her career. Her most popular song, according to Spotify streams, is "Spotlight." The top song was the lead tune on her 2008 album "Jennifer Hudson."
Here are the lyrics for "Spotlight."
Are you a man who loves, and cherishes, and cares for me?(Is that you? Is that you? Is that you?)Or are you a guard in a prison of maximum security?(Is that you? Is that you? Is that you?)Do we stay home all the time, 'cause you want me all to yourself?(Is that you? Is that you? Is that you?)Or am I locked away out of fear that I'll find someone else?(Is that you? Is that you?)
Well I don't likeLiving under your spotlightJust because you think I mightFind somebody worthyOh I don't likeLiving under your spotlightMaybe if you treat me rightYou won't have to worry
Is this a relationship fulfilling your needs, as well as mine?(Is that you? Is that you? Is that you)Or is this just my sentence, am I doing time?(Is that you? Is that you? Is that you)If this is love (real, real love), then I'm staying no doubt(Is that you? Is that you? Is that you)But if I'm just love's prisoner, then I'm busting out!(Is that you? Is that you?)
Baby I don't likeLiving under your spotlightJust because you think I mightFind somebody worthyOh I don't likeLiving under your spotlightMaybe if you treat me rightYou won't have to worry
Oh, you oughta be ashamed of yourself!What the hell do you think you're doing?Loving me, loving me so wrongBaby all I do is try, to show you that you're myOne and only guyNo matter who may come alongOpen your eyes 'cause baby I don't like...
Hey, 'cause I don't likeLiving under your spotlightJust because you think I mightFind somebody worthyNo I don't likeLiving under your spotlightMaybe if you treat me rightYou won't have to worryI don't like
Hudson also performed a cover of "Golden Slumber" by The Beatles that appeared while she voiced Nana Noodleman in the 2016 movie "Sing."
Jennifer Hudson net worth
As of April 2026, Hudson's net worth is valued at around $30 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
The singer gets in the ballpark of 130,000 Spotify streams per day, along with over 990 million across her career, per Kworb.
English (US)