The 2026 World Cup final between Spain and Argentina will not only bring together two of the great powers of world football. Before the ball starts rolling at the New York New Jersey Stadium, fans will attend a star-studded closing ceremony in which one of the main protagonists will be Jennifer Hudson, who will perform the national anthem of the United States. FIFA officially confirmed her participation just a few days before the match, which will kick off the tournament’s most anticipated day.
Hudson’s choice is no coincidence. The American singer and actress is considered one of the most complete artists in the entertainment industry and is part of the exclusive group of personalities who have achieved the so-called EGOT, the recognition reserved for those who have won an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar and a Tony over the course of their career.
From “American Idol” to a successful career
Jennifer Hudson was born on September 12, 1981, in Chicago (Illinois). She first came to prominence in 2004 thanks to her participation in the third season of the program “American Idol”, where, despite not being crowned the winner, she caught the music industry’s attention because of the power of her voice.
Her big break came just two years later with her film debut in the movie “Dreamgirls” (2006). Her portrayal of Effie White was met with critical acclaim and enabled her to win the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, as well as a Golden Globe, a BAFTA, and a Screen Actors Guild Award. Since then, she has developed a successful career in both music and film and television.
An artist with an EGOT
‘In addition to the Oscar, Jennifer Hudson has built an impressive list of accolades. She has won two Grammy Awards, a Daytime Emmy as an executive producer, and a Tony as a co-producer of the musical “A Strange Loop,” becoming in 2022 one of the youngest people to achieve the prestigious EGOT.’
This recognition places her among a very small group of artists who have triumphed in the four major awards in American entertainment, an achievement that confirms her versatility both in front of the spotlight and behind the scenes.
Their best-known songs
Although her acting career has been brilliant, Hudson has also achieved significant musical successes. Among her most popular songs are “Spotlight,” “If This Isn”t Love,” “Where You At,” “I Remember Me,” and “Feeling Good”. Her powerful vocal range and her gospel and soul influence have made her one of the most recognizable voices in American music.
In recent years, she has also expanded her television presence thanks to “The Jennifer Hudson Show”, the talk show she has hosted since 2022 and that has allowed her to connect with a new generation of viewers.
The voice chosen to open the grand final
FIFA has entrusted Jennifer Hudson to perform the United States national anthem before the start of the final between Spain and Argentina, a particularly symbolic moment as the match is being played on American soil. Her performance will be part of a closing ceremony that will also feature artists such as Robbie Williams, Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger, Post Malone and other personalities from the entertainment world.