Cynthia Erivo and Jennifer Hudson recently reunited for a poignant episode of The Jennifer Hudson Show, where they performed a duet of the beloved ballad “What About Love?” from the acclaimed musical The Color Purple. This reunion marked a special moment for the two stars, who previously shared the stage in the 2015 Broadway revival of the show.

During the episode aired on November 27, 2024, the actresses took a trip down memory lane, reminiscing about their experiences in the production that captivated audiences. As they looked back at photographs from their time together, Erivo became visibly emotional, expressing her feelings with the audience. “Why do I feel like I’m going to cry?” she remarked, as tears filled her eyes. She later shared with Hudson, “It’s been a really long journey. That young lady there had no idea what was in front of her. She was just trying to get through every show.”

Hudson, an accomplished artist and EGOT winner, praised Erivo’s talent and dedication, stating, “You sang us down every night on that set of The Color Purple live. I sat there and I watched her do it every night.” Her heartfelt words acknowledged Erivo’s hard work and artistry. “You earned your way here, young lady. So take it in and embrace it,” Hudson encouraged, celebrating Erivo’s remarkable journey.

Cynthia Erivo, now 37, portrayed the role of Celie in the musical adaptation of The Color Purple, while Jennifer Hudson, 43, took on the character of Shug Avery. The production, which opened on December 10, 2015, and ran until January 8, 2017, was based on the powerful novel by Alice Walker and the iconic 1985 film directed by Steven Spielberg. Alongside Erivo and Hudson, Danielle Brooks made her Broadway debut as Sofia, completing the trio of talented actresses who brought the story to life on stage.

Erivo’s performance in The Color Purple earned her a Tony Award, solidifying her status as a rising star on Broadway. Additionally, she received a Grammy Award for her contributions to the show’s cast album and a Daytime Emmy Award for a performance from the musical on the morning show Today. Following her success in theater, Erivo transitioned to film, earning two Oscar nominations and currently starring in the highly anticipated adaptation of Wicked, which is expected to be one of the biggest films of the year.

Reflecting on her incredible journey, Erivo shared her initial disbelief at being cast in the Broadway production. Having previously starred in the revival of The Color Purple at the Menier Chocolate Factory in London, she never imagined that the show would make its way to Broadway. “I thought they were joking,” she told Hudson, recalling her experience in the small London theater that seated only 200 people. “I was happy to do that. And then on the other side of the ocean, it became this big Broadway show.”

The reunion of these two talented actresses not only highlights their individual achievements but also serves as a reminder of the powerful stories that The Color Purple conveys. The musical continues to resonate with audiences, celebrating themes of resilience, love, and empowerment. As Erivo and Hudson shared their memories, they also reminded viewers of the importance of friendship and support in the competitive world of entertainment.

As fans of both stars eagerly anticipate their future projects, this heartfelt reunion has reignited interest in The Color Purple and the impact it has had on Broadway and beyond. With their exceptional talents and inspiring stories, Cynthia Erivo and Jennifer Hudson remain influential figures in the entertainment industry, and their collaboration continues to leave a lasting impression on audiences around the world.