Jennifer Holliday vs. Jennifer Hudson | Head 2 Head

In the 49^th edition of Head 2 Head (2024), Jennifer Holliday and Jennifer Hudson contend for the best rendition of “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going.”

Welcome to Head 2 Head! On Head 2 Head, we pit at least two musicians performing the same song and compare their performances.  After deliberation, we decide which performance is the best or moves us more subjectively.  In the 49^th edition of Head 2 Head (2024), Jennifer Holliday and Jennifer Hudson contend for the best rendition of “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going”. So, without further ado, let the Head 2 Head commence!

1. Jennifer Holliday, “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going”

Dreamgirls: Original Broadway Cast Album // Universal Music Enterprises // 1982

“And I am tellin’ you I’m not going / You’re the best man I’ll ever know / There’s no way I can ever go.” When you think of Jennifer Holliday, one song, and one song only comes to mind:  “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going”.  Holliday, playing Effie White, performed the big demanding ballad in the original Broadway cast of Dreamgirls.  The Henry Krieger (music) and Tom Eyen (lyrics) penned song is the crown jewel from Dreamgirls: Original Broadway Cast Album. “And I Am Telling You” is Holliday’s sole top 40 hit.  It peaked at no. 22 on the Billboard Hot 100. Deservedly, Holliday won her first Grammy for Best R&B Vocal Performance, Female at the 25^th Annual GRAMMY Awards.  Take one listen to her dynamic, expressive performance on “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going,” and there is no way that she could’ve been denied!

If you’ve seen Holliday perform “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going,” you can tell she infuses every ounce of herself.  Her performance is gritty and soulful and exhibits top-notch musicianship.  A ‘big’ song, few vocalists can bring the punch needed to successfully deliver this Broadway classic. Holliday makes us believe every word.  “Darlin’, there’s no way / No, no, no, no way / I’m livin’ without you,” she sings, spiritedly, confirming her love for “the best man I’ll ever know.” In the bridge, she remains unshakable, dramatically asserting, “Tear down the mountains / Yell, scream, and shout / You can say what you want / I’m not walking out.” Word.  The chorus, of course, is the crème de la crème.  Still, the outro seals the deal: “Love me / Love me / Love me / Love me / You’re gonna love me.” Besides winning a Grammy for her once-in-a-lifetime performance of “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going”, Holliday won the Tony for Actress (Musical).  Holliday may be a ‘one-hit wonder,’ but who wouldn’t kill for this juggernaut to be their sole pop hit?

Appears in 🔻:

• Jennifer Holliday, And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going: 1 Hit WONDERful 47 (2024)

2. Jennifer Hudson, “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going”

Dreamgirls (Music From The Motion Picture) // Sony BMG Music Entertainment // 2006 

Jennifer Hudson had big, big shoes to fill. That is an understatement. This was before the EGOT. Not just anybody can play Effie White in Dreamgirls. Furthermore, not just anybody can sing White’s big, big song, “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going”.  It takes mad pipes – some truly elite vocals. Jennifer Holliday killed her role as Effie White, nailing the best song from the 1982 Broadway musical.  Hudson proved she was perfect to act in the role of Effie White in the film adaptation.  Even better, she had the gospel-laden, high-flying pipes to sing one of Broadway’s most difficult and most epic songs.  Hudson earned one of the most prestigious awards for her role – an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.

As a millennial, the original recording and Broadway musical for Dreamgirls predated my existence. My introduction to Effie White came via Jennifer Hudson.  Watching her in the film and hearing those spirited, powerhouse vocals, I found myself in sheer awe.  Hudson brings ample personality and top-notch musicianship to this Broadway gem. It’s not all ‘powered-up’ vocals, of course.  Hudson shows plenty of nuance, beginning with poise and gradually digging into the dramatic showstopper. Backed by a sweet musical backdrop – orchestra with soul and gospel elements – she cooks.  Her riffs are electric, sounding as if they originate from the church choir.  The gospel histrionics and theatrics are perfectly suited for a big Broadway ballad, period.  We all knew Hudson had chops during a far too short stay on American Idol season three but, her pitch-perfect, dramatic rendition of “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” solidified her powerhouse diva status.  The breathtaking performance speaks for itself, folks.

Appears in 🔻:

• Jennifer Hudson, And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going: Covers No. 50 (2024)

The Verdict 👨🏿‍⚖️ 

Which Jennifer performed “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” the best? Was it the ‘OG,’ Jennifer Holliday, or the gifted coverer, Jennifer Hudson? How does one decide between two sickening divas? Holliday was young when she had ‘her moment’ and incredible success from Dreamgirls (Broadway).  The song is key to the success of the role of Effie White.  Hudson was in the same boat as Holliday. She was young, incredibly talented, and built upon her stardom with role and song.  Watch her scene as she sings the song in the film adaptation, and you’ll get chills every time.  So, who comes out on top? Ugh… I just can’t pick between the two. Both ladies and both performances are epic and deserve to be recognized as such.

Jennifer Holliday vs. Jennifer Hudson: Head 2 Head No. 49 (2024) [📷: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Sony BMG Music Entertainment, Universal Music Enterprises; Hernán Toro, Los Muertos Crew, RDNE Stock project, Thomas Ronveaux from Pexels]