Music living legends—not one, but two women who played Effie White—shared the stage in a moment that felt like time folding in on itself.
Jennifer Holliday, the original Broadway powerhouse, earned a Grammy and Tony Award for her portrayal of Effie in the 1981 production. Jennifer Hudson, who brought the role to life in the 2006 film adaptation, won an Academy Award for her performance.
Now, on this glorious September week, the two icons reunited on The Jennifer Hudson Show to perform the seminal ballad, “And I Am Telling You (I’m Not Going)”—a song that defined both their careers and continues to echo through musical history.
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After the performance, the mutual adoration spilled onto socials. The EGOT champion Hudson wrote via X:
“This was a DREAM. To stand beside the legend herself, Ms. Jennifer Holliday, and sing the song that started it all for both of us !!! Oh, I’m gon carry this one with me forever ! Thank you, @LadyJHOLLIDAY— you are EVERYTHING!”
And the OG architect, Holliday, echoed the sentiment:
“So many people forget their husbands and everybody when they do their Oscars speech, but you ran back with urgency. And that, I carry in my heart forever.”
The duet wasn’t just a performance—it was a passing of the torch, a celebration of legacy, and a reminder of the emotional depth that Dreamgirls continues to inspire. With a 2026 Broadway revival on the horizon, this moment served as a beacon for future Effies everywhere.
Watch the full performance!
This was a DREAM. To stand beside the legend herself, Ms. Jennifer Holliday, and sing the song that started it all for both of us !!! Oh, I’m gon carry this one with me forever ! Thank you, @LadyJHOLLIDAY — you are EVERYTHING! 🙌🏾 pic.twitter.com/Zv60h3DOkW
— Jennifer Hudson (@IAMJHUD) September 24, 2025
