Jennifer Hudson used a surprise performance Tuesday night to lobby for a role as “The Queen of Soul” Aretha Franklin in an upcoming movie. The Oscar winner appeared in a short dress and sang a medley of hits by Franklin and Whitney Houston at a 125th anniversary party for Hearst. “She introduced the [Franklin] song ‘Oh Me Oh My’ and said it was her plan to portray Aretha someday,” said a spy. “Jennifer then asked the audience, ‘Is anyone listening?’ to imply someone in the crowd should give her that role.” (Franklin has mentioned a wish list of supporting actors for her life story — including Terrence Howard, Denzel Washington, Audra McDonald, Nia Long and Kerry Washington — but hasn’t endorsed a leading lady since floating Halle Berry’s name early last year.) Hudson also belted out “Happy Birthday” for Hearst and jumped off the stage, singing Houston’s “I Want To Dance With Somebody,” to boogie with guests who included Ralph and Ricky Lauren, Gayle King, Red Rooster chef Marcus Samuelsson, Cosmo editor Joanna Coles and Gay Talese. The night kicked off with a private screening of Leslie Iwerks’ doc “Citizen Hearst,” which premieres at the Hamptons International Film Festival next month.
Jennifer Hudson lobbying Aretha Franklin role
