I Know!! I Know!! This is a Clay Aiken board.

But, when another performer steps up to the plate and hits a home-run (or was it throws a pass for a touchdown), it needs to be acknowledged.

Jennifer Hudson returned to the spotlight Sunday with a flawless performance of the national anthem at the beginning of the Super Bowl.

Jennifer Hudson

Hudson looked a bit nervous as she stepped onto the stage. She paused, took a breath and launched into one of the most difficult songs to sing.

The Super Bowl performance was Hudson’s first public appearance since October when her family was shocked by the murders of her mother, brother and nephew.

Rickey Minor, the pre-game show producer said that Hudson was very calm and prepared and that he had suggested she take a deep breath before she started so that she could calm herself and be prepared.

Singing the national anthem at the Super Bowl is a prestigious invitation and Hudson’s performance was amazing. Her performance was almost more personal than patriotic.

Jennifer is expected to resume her active work schedule now. She is scheduled to perform at next week’s Grammy Awards and is filming her new video which is set to debut on February 9th.

Congratulations, Jennifer. Your performance was inspiring.

By the way, I expect we will hear Clay Aiken at the Super Bowl sometime too. He will knock the striped socks off everyone!!