After her spirited performances at President Obama's inauguration earlier this year, singer Jennifer Hudson is making an encore trip to the District to be honored by the Recording Academy as part of the group's annual Grammys on the Hill Awards.
"It's a very unique event for us, so we always look each year for a very unique talent and this year Jennifer certainly fits that bill," explained Daryl Friedman, chief advocacy and industry relations officer for the Recording Academy. Hudson is being honored in Washington in part because of the philanthropic work she does, but also because of her close relationship with the Recording Academy. "You'll remember a year ago, it was Jennifer who we relied on to provide a meaningful tribute to Whitney Houston," Friedman said.
This year the invite-only event, scheduled for April 18, has been moved to a bigger venue, to make room for additional ticket requests. It will be held at the Hamilton Live in downtown Washington and proceeds benefit the Grammy Foundation.
In years past, Grammys on the Hill has brought together musicians and Washingtonians to create memorable music, including one of our favorite moments -- when CBS' Bob Schieffer crooned "Friends in Low Places" to honoree Garth Brooks.
"There are always some interesting surprises and sometimes they involve political folks and artists together," Friedman hinted. "I do know that Jennifer will be gracing the stage with a couple of songs herself," he said.
