Jennifer Hudson performing at Super Bowl XLIII
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Dressed in a cropped jacket, skinny pants, a white top and gold jewelry, Hudson, 27, stepped onto a round dais at Raymond James Stadium for her pre-game performance.
Hudson took a deep breath and surveyed the field before launching into her rendition of the National Anthem. She ended the song with her head tossed back and a clenched fist raised to deafening applause. (Watch a YouTube clip of her performance.)
Hudson's performance followed a tribute to the crew of U.S. Airways Flight 1549 – hero pilot Chesley Sullenberger was on hand – and a performance of "America the Beautiful" by Faith Hill.
The singer-actress, who is nominated for four Grammys, arrived in Tampa on Friday.
Hudson also is slated to sing at the MusiCares Person of the Year Gala on Feb. 6 and the Grammy Awards on Feb. 8, both in Los Angeles.
