We've all seen the joyous clips from The Jennifer Hudson Show of celebrity guests strolling, bumpin' or otherwise vibing down the hall, the talk show's crew lined up on either side to pump them up before they sit down with host Jennifer Hudson.
As it turns out, every guest—ranging from Ron Funches to Gordon Ramsay—is truly getting the VIP treatment.
"They originally did it for me," the 2026 Grammy nominee for The Gift of Love exclusively told Zuri Hall on Live From E!: Grammys 2026, explaining how the show's signature "spirit tunnel" tradition got started. "Then I was like, 'We should do this for our guests,' and now it's taken a life of its own."
And yes, they still line up to hype the host, because who couldn't use that energy before showtime?
"Even when I come out," Hudson said, "they still do it to get me amped."
Doing the amping on the Grammys red carpet, however, was Hudson's black leather dress with a sky-high slit. (See all the daring red carpet fashion at the 2026 Grammys.)
"My leg is on a weekend tour if y'all haven't noticed," Hudson said, hyping her edgy gown. "This is the finale. I gave you the other thigh last evening. If you missed it, roll the camera back."
Indeed, her right leg was on display in a sexy black coat dress Jan. 31 at the 68th Grammy Awards Pre-GRAMMY Gala & GRAMMY Salute To Industry Icons Honoring Avery Lipman And Monte Lipman.
But at the main event Feb. 1 at Los Angeles' Crypto.com Arena, Hudson felt it was just nice to be nominated and showing some skin was part of the fun.
The Gift of Love was "a passion project," she explained to Hall. "I didn't even expect the Grammy nomination for it! So it's a huge celebration just for it to be acknowledged."
Not to mention, Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album have been her sole nomination tonight, but she does have EGOT status as one of only 22 artists ever (including Steven Spielberg, as of tonight) to have earned an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony in competitive categories.
And speaking of competitive categories, check out the best-dressed stars on the Grammys 2026 red carpet:
Michelle Williams
in Jean-Louis Sabaji and Lorraine Schwartz jewelry.
Karol G
in Paolo Sebastian, Gianvito Rossi heels and Jacob & Co. Jewelry.
Olivia Dean
in Chanel.
Tyla
in Dsquared2 and Pandora jewelry.
Bad Bunny
in custom Schiaparelli Haute Couture.
Chappell Roan
in custom Mugler.
Tate McRae
in Balenciaga.
Queen Latifah
in Stephane Rolland.
Lady Gaga
In custom Matieres Fecales.
Darren Criss
in custom Tanner Fletcher and Christian Louboutin.
Pharrell Williams
in custom Louis Vuitton.
Sombr
in custom Valentino.
Kelsea Ballerini
In Etro.
Laufey
In Miu Miu and Jared Atelier jewelry.
KATSEYE
in Ludovic De Saint Sernin.
Sabrina Carpenter
in Valentino.
Miley Cyrus
in Celine and Pomellato jewelry.
Addison Rae
in Alaïa.
Zara Larsson
in Germanier.
Coco Jones
In Kristina K. and Casadei heels.
Ali Wong
in Vivienne Westwood.
Doechii
in custom Roberto Cavalli and Chopard jewelry.
Rosé
in custom Giambattista Valli Couture, Le Silla and Tiffany & Co. jewelry
Shaboozey
in Ralph Lauren Purple Label and RRL Denim, Christian Louboutin shoes, Bode tie and Piaget watch.
Adrienne Bailon-Houghton
in in J'Aton Couture.
FKA twigs
in custom Paolo Carzana.
PinkPantheress
In Vivienne Westwood and custom Pandora jewelry.