Jennifer Hudson re-creates Whitney Houston’s 1994 American Music Awards look for powerful tribute performance

Jennifer Hudson channeled Whitney Houston in more ways than one during her American Music Awards 2024 tribute performance.

Not only did the “Dreamgirls” star sing “I Will Always Love You,” “I Loves You, Porgy” and more songs during Sunday night’s 50th anniversary special, but also she re-created one of the late singer’s iconic ensembles.

Hudson, 43, hit the stage in a custom black La Roxx gown with an embellished collar and sleeves, which was inspired by the look Houston wore during her iconic 1994 AMAs performance.

Like Houston’s look, Hudson’s included a sweeping train for added drama.

Stylist Maeve Reilly shared the reference photo of Houston in her Instagram post spotlighting Hudson’s outfit.

The “I’m Your Baby Tonight” singer passed away in 2012 at age 48.

Hudson took to Instagram after honoring Houston over the weekend, writing that she “will always love” the late “Bodyguard” star.

When asked about her “connection to” Houston, the actress said that they are linked by “the gospel.”

She explained, “I don’t think I can recall a time when I didn’t know of Whitney. Though I recall seeing her at a young age and just being completely captivated by this goddess.”

Hudson praised Houston’s “voice that was, like, from heaven or something,” which “resonated with” her at age 7.

Hudson was among many performers during Sunday’s show, with Mariah Carey, Green Day and Gladys Knight also making appearances.

Samuel L. Jackson introduced Hudson to the stage.

“Thirty years ago, Whitney Houston won eight of her total 22 American Music Awards, including the special award of merit,” the actor, 75, said. “The same night, Whitney gave perhaps the most iconic performance ever on this show.

“One of the millions of music lovers watching the AMAs that night in 1994 was a 12-year-old young lady in Chicago named Jennifer,” Jackson added.

He noted that Hudson “was so inspired by Whitney that she started to believe that she could raise her own voice someday.”