Jennifer Hudson Sings 'I Will Always Love You' For Whitney Houston Tribute

Feb. 13 2012, Published 9:00 a.m. ET

By Alexis Tereszcuk - RadarOnline.com Senior Reporter

Jennifer Hudson took the stage at the 54th Annual Grammy Awards and rocked her own version of "I Will Always Love You" in a loving tribute to the late Whitney Houston.

Grammy Award winner Hudson, 30, sang a beautiful rendition of Houston's hit song, written by Dolly Parton, to the crowd at the Staples Center.

Jennifer looked emotional while she sang the song but kept her composure and ended with her own lyrics "We will always love you."

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Heartbroken at the death of Whitney on Saturday, Jennifer reportedly was sobbing as she rehearsed the song for the live performance. She and Whitney had a close relationship, and in 2009 Whitney presented Jennifer with the Grammy for Best R&B Album.

The shocking death of Whitney Houston cast a great sadness over the star studded 2012 Grammy Awards.

After Jennifer's emotional performance, the singer released the following statement to RadarOnline.com: “It was the greatest honor of my life to be able to be the one to pay tribute to Whitney’s memory. It was from my heart. I haven’t stopped crying since she passed. Her family is in my prayers.”