Leeland et Jennifer Hudson

Leeland, is the Christian Rock band from Baytown Texas. They’ve had a pretty good fourteen years thus far in their fruitful career. They have developed such a great style over the years of their Christian Progressive Rock. They have even received a Grammy Nomination for their efforts. Tonight they are headlining a show, which just so happens to be the closing night of their tour. They perform a set made up of some of their hugest singles to date including “Tears of the Saints” which has this huge sold out crowd singing along with their hands in the air. “Follow You” is another song where the audience completely appreciate the music before them. It is no surprise that this song went to No.7 on the Billboard Hot Christian Songs. “The Great Awakening” being their most recent song is that point of the show where the audience and performer completely know where they stand with each other, Leeland are humbled greatly, from the amazing response to their performance.

Jennifer Hudson is clear proof that you don’t need to win a singing competition to prove that you’re a star. The moment she stepped on the stage at the Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City, she carried an aura took me in and held me close throughout the entire set.
From singing the American National Anthem in packed stadiums to the smallest of clubs, it was obvious that the singer, actress and ‘American Idol’ alumna can take on any stage that she’s placed on. However the evening I saw her, she did something that not too many artists can do -- turn a packed 5,600 seater into the most intimate of jazz clubs. No matter where you sat in the theater, you felt like she was talking to you. Between songs, she would talk to the audience about love -- considering most of her tunes are about the topic -- as well as ambition and determination. I mean, let’s face it, she’s proof that dreams can come true.
And we can’t forget that voice. It’s one thing to hear it on a recording, but to witness the power of those vocal chords live is like a religious experience. She doesn’t just sing to you but her voice actually goes through you. Each and every lyric that leaves her lips on songs like "Bleed for Love" and "And I’m Telling You I’m Not Going," the 'Dreamgirls' song that put her on the map, can really bring tears to your eyes as it did mine. With a voice that has been compared to Whitney Houston, she also pays homage to the late songstress by performing at least one of her hits like "Saving All My Love." But of course, Jennifer is not only known for her ballads. She also has a couple of groove tracks that will lighten up the mood. Her newer track, “I Can’t Describe (The Way I Feel),” and “Spotlight,” off her self-titled 2008 record, will make you get up from your seat and sway your hips much in the same way she is doing on stage.
If you need a gig that makes you feel the music, just go to a Jennifer Hudson gig with some tissues, close your eyes and just hear her sing, "Why Is It So Hard?," and it’s honestly cathartic.