*During a conversation at the 2025 Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival on Aug. 5, Jennifer Hudson spoke about the growing impact of her talk show’s Spirit Tunnel.
Moderated by PEOPLE’s Janine Rubenstein, the singer explained how the feature has become a highlight for visiting celebrities.
The Spirit Tunnel involves Hudson’s staff members lining the hallway to the stage, cheering and chanting personalized lyrics to hype up each guest. Stars often respond with dance moves, leading to viral moments online featuring Aaron Pierre, Blair Underwood, Usher, and SZA.
“It has completely blown us away,” Hudson said to PEOPLE’s Janine Rubenstein, adding that “people want redos.” She noted, “Do you know how long I’m out there waiting now? Because they’re like, ‘Okay, where’s the camera? Okay, cut, cut.’ It has really taken on a life of its own.”
Hudson traced the tunnel’s creation back to her passion for uplifting others. “What I like to call myself is the Queen of Spirit,” she explained. “I love people, I love celebrating people, and my favorite way to do this is through music. So why not celebrate you?”
Scroll to continue reading
She credited her producers with shaping the Spirit Tunnel concept by combining her passion for music with her love of connecting with people.
“I like that it breaks the ice as soon as you hit the door. That’s how it is at home,” Hudson said. “This is just the energy that the Happy Place brings and that we love to give and we want you to feel at home and a part of it.”
For Hudson, the tunnel represents unity across the show’s guests, audience, and crew. “The memories that it creates, those are the things that I love to see people come together on one accord in positivity,” she said.
Hudson also views the Spirit Tunnel as a means to showcase what sets her show apart. “We should share this with the world so they can understand the energy that’s around here, so they know what makes this show different from other shows,” she said.
“The best part is to see all the love and the joy being spread. That’s what it’s about.”
