When Jennifer Hudson and Chris Stapleton took the stage last night (11/10) at the CMA Awards to perform a tribute to Aretha Franklin, no one had any idea just how transcendent the performance would be.

As Hudson sang and Stapleton backed her up with vocals and guitar, the CMA camera flashed to the many country superstars in the audience, and they were standing up, dancing, and singing along. Miranda, Carrie, Maren, Kane, Keith and Nicole, were all loving it; Ashley McBryde looked like she was on the verge of tears.

Twitter lit up today with reactions to the powerful performance.

• Begging for Mercy

  Jennifer Hudson's CMA Awards Performance Left Artists Begging for Mercy https://t.co/58ZyKVHOJI via @YouTube

  — AngelofEssence (@AngelofEssence7) November 11, 2021

• Best In History

  I don’t know who needs to hear it but Jennifer Hudson just put on the best vocal performance in CMA Music Awards history

  — Steven (@stinsley03) November 11, 2021

• Power and Attitude

  Can I be honest??? Jennifer Hudson wiped the floor with almost everyone on the CMA’s. What a voice, what a power and what an attitude!!! I will put up her performance, it isn’t on YT yet.

  — Renée de Bruin 🇳🇱 (@Rene72385506) November 11, 2021

• Electric

  I just re-watched Jennifer Hudson‘s performance. I can’t describe how electric it was at the CMA‘s. The crowd was on their feet instantaneously. Watching the artists as I watched the show tonight on TV you could see the entire arena went crazy. @IAMJHUD was outstanding!!!

  — Deb Meissner ♥️☮♥️ (@dgm2) November 11, 2021

• She Is Slaying

  The lovely Jennifer Hudson graces the CMA awards with her presence, later giving a bone chilling performance. https://t.co/0JwwH1aOmB

  — Amiya Griffin (@AmiyaGriffin1) November 11, 2021

• Two Greatest Performances of All Time

  @ChrisStapleton is now responsible for two of three greatest #CMA performances of the past 20 years. Before he took us to church with @IAMJHUD, he broke it all down with @jtimberlake. https://t.co/DzTjaPOjRj

  — Pragmatic Progressive (@pragressive7) November 11, 2021

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