De 2026 World Cup final between Spain and Argentina no be only about football. Before ball start roll for New York New Jersey Stadium, fans go see star-studded closing ceremony. One of de main actors na Jennifer Hudson, wey go perform de United States national anthem.
FIFA officially confirm her participation just few days before match, wey go kick off de tournament most anticipated day. Hudson choice no be coincidence. De American singer and actress na one of de most complete artists for entertainment industry. She dey part of de exclusive group wey achieve EGOT—Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony—over dem career.
Jennifer Hudson born on September 12, 1981, for Chicago, Illinois. She first come shine for 2004 through participation for third season of program American Idol. Even though she no win, she catch music industry attention because of her powerful voice. Her big break come two years later with film debut for movie Dreamgirls (2006). Her portrayal of Effie White get critical acclaim and win Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, plus Golden Globe, BAFTA, and Screen Actors Guild Award.
Since then, she develop successful career for both music and film and television. Aside Oscar, Jennifer Hudson build impressive list of accolades. She win two Grammy Awards, Daytime Emmy as executive producer, and Tony as co-producer of musical A Strange Loop. For 2022, she become one of de youngest people to achieve prestigious EGOT. Dis recognition place her among small group of artists wey triumph for four major awards for American entertainment.
Although her acting career brilliant, Hudson also achieve significant musical successes. Among her most popular songs na Spotlight, If This Isn’t Love, Where You At, I Remember Me, and Feeling Good. Her powerful vocal range and gospel and soul influence make her one of de most recognizable voices for American music. For recent years, she expand television presence through The Jennifer Hudson Show, talk show wey she host since 2022.
FIFA entrust Jennifer Hudson to perform United States national anthem before start of final between Spain and Argentina. Dis moment particularly symbolic because match dey play for American soil. Her performance go be part of closing ceremony wey also feature artists like Robbie Williams, Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger, Post Malone, and other personalities from entertainment world.
However, not everybody dey happy. United States President Donald Trump dey set to attend de final, and fans expect both Trump and de national anthem to dey booed. Throughout tournament, Trump and United States face plenty criticism. FIFA decision to allow Trump hand trophy to victors, treatment of Iranian players, Americanization of sport with commercials during hydration breaks, extended Super Bowl style halftime show, and gaudy championship rings—all dey cause wahala. Most notably, Trump involvement for getting red card suspension to Folarin Balogun overturned spark widespread outrage.
Because stadium go full with Spain and Argentina fans wey dey discontent with many aspects of dis World Cup, fans fully expect boos. One Argentina fan account write for X: Spanish brothers wey go watch match for person, before you kill us for pitch, I ask we unite to boo when dis anthem play for our final. Another fan add: For God sake, let everyone boo him. If de whole stadium no boo dat anthem from start to finish I go dey so disappointed. Even some Americans dey join: As an American I dey boo and proudly. Dis na trash decision.
Dis no be first time Trump go booed for sporting event. Recently, dem shower am with boos during appearance for NBA Finals for Madison Square Garden. Trump insist say na mostly cheers, but everybody see wetin happen.
