Jennifer Hudson Reveals What Inspired Her Comeback After Family's Death

We all remember the unthinkable family tragedy that Jennifer Hudson endured in October 2008 when her mother, brother, and nephew were killed in the singer’s Chicago hometown. In an interview with NBC’s “Dateline,” Hudson is now revealing that she was able to get back on her feet–and back behind the mic– after hearing her late family members encourage her to sing again.

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“Well, I felt as though I had to. Again, just the same as I hear my mother’s voice in my head, I can hear my brother’s voice in my head,” said Hudson. “Everybody, is like, ‘Is she ever gonna sing again?’ And what was I gonna say to that?”

J-Hud also confesses that she felt a strong obligation to perform again so that her family would be proud of her.

“I could hear him, like, ‘Jennifer–‘ he would always say, ‘Knock it off, Jenny,’ if I was cryin’ about somethin’ or if I was upset, discouraged, mad, ‘Jenny, knock it off.’ That’s what I hear in my head. I can either just sit here and mope around, or do what I know that would make them proud.’ And that’s what I did,” said Hudson.

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After resolving to refocus on her career, Jennifer made an emotional comeback just four months after the murders when she sang the Star Spangled Banner at the 2009 Superbowl. Later the same month, the “Spotlight” singer nabbed two Grammy awards.

You can catch more of Jennifer’s intimate interview on “Dateline” when the full segment airs on Sunday, January 8 at 7pm.