When will my reflection show, how blown away I was? Christina Aguilera and Jennifer Hudson put on an absolute clinic at AIDS Healthcare Foundation’s World AIDS Day Benefit. Not only did they run through their impressive gamut of hits, but they did so with ROBUST production value, unending charm and gobsmacking looks.
The legendary Forum was literally rocking when J Hud hit the stage in a stunning silver sequined gown. She was the EPITOME of glamour, running us through classic performances of ‘And I am Telling You I’m Not Going,’ ‘Natural Woman,’ and ‘Respect,’ alongside sensational originals like ‘Where You At?’ The Chicago legend brought the building to its knees. She was supported by a trio of powerhouse background vocalists, at top-notch band, and even jumped on the keys for a bit in honor of the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin.
‘Aretha plays, I peck,’ she assured us before playing beautifully. Sometimes it be like that!
custom_fields.Caption:”INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 01: Jennifer Hudson attends the AHF World AIDS Day 2021 concert at The Forum on December 01, 2021 in Inglewood, California. AIDS Healthcare Foundation’s (AHF) free, sold-out concert marks World AIDS Day and AHF’s 35th anniversary at a star-studded event. AHF’s \”L.A. Revival\” concert featured performances by Jennifer Hudson, Christina Aguilera and was hosted by comedian and internet sensation Randy Rainbow. AHF presented its Lifetime Achievement Award to Sen. Bernie Sanders (accepted by his wife, Jane) at the concert, which was produced with longtime AHF partner Debbie Allen and featured a performance by students from her Debbie Allen Dance Academy (DADA). (Photo by Randy Shropshire/Getty Images for AIDS Healthcare Foundation)”
Miss Aguilera came out ferociously to ‘Dirrty,’ flanked by lights, pyro and a gaggle of dancers. She soared through the high-notes, punched the mid-range like a melismatic pugilist, and left it all on the stage. And this was just song number 1!
She hit us with more uptempo fire – ‘Lady Marmalade’ almost stole my soul – but also brought it home with some stunning ballads. ‘The Voice Within,’ which she wrote 20 years ago, stood the test of time, a brilliant ode to self-love. ‘Aint No Other Man’ also tore through the room, the whole arena trying to keep up with her fierce vocal performance.
The night was a roaring success. AHF’s impact has been felt globally, but also in my personal life, as I’ve used their testing services and shopped their ‘Out of the Closet’ stores many times over. They’re a rock in the community, and I’m grateful for all they’ve done, including a brand-new transgender housing space, and amplifying the voices of Black and Latinx queer people in Los Angeles and beyond.
Founder Michael Weinstein spoke beautifully about the organization’s impact and goals; he was the beating heart of this event, and deserves nothing but praise for all he and his incredible staff have done.
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 01: Randy Rainbow speaks onstage during the AHF World AIDS Day 2021 concert at The Forum on December 01, 2021 in Inglewood, California. AIDS Healthcare Foundation’s (AHF) free, sold-out concert marks World AIDS Day and AHF’s 35th anniversary at a star-studded event. AHF’s “L.A. Revival” concert featured performances by Jennifer Hudson, Christina Aguilera and was hosted by comedian and internet sensation Randy Rainbow. AHF presented its Lifetime Achievement Award to Sen. Bernie Sanders (accepted by his wife, Jane) at the concert, which was produced with longtime AHF partner Debbie Allen and featured a performance by students from her Debbie Allen Dance Academy (DADA). (Photo by Randy Shropshire/Getty Images for AIDS Healthcare Foundation)
Host Randy Rainbow was pitch-perfect, hilarious and just the right amount of bawdy. I cackled through his opening monologue and was thrilled every time he stepped onstage.
The legendary Debbie Allen also appeared, speaking powerfully about AHF’s work, and introducing a performance from her incredible young dance students.
Jane Sanders accepted a Lifetime Achievement Award on Bernie Sanders’ behalf, clearly feeling emotional about all the night represented.
And she wasn’t alone in that feeling! What a great way to honor all the progress we’ve made. I’m grateful to have been there.
