In 2016, Jennifer Hudson was recording her highly anticipated holiday album, but she felt a specific vision for one classic hymn was lacking. Hudson wanted to record the powerful track “How Great Thou Art,” but she quickly realized that the song’s majestic message demanded more than just a solo vocal performance. To achieve the perfect, soaring harmony of voices she envisioned, Hudson made an inspired, and ultimately triumphant, choice: she invited the critically acclaimed a cappella group Pentatonix to join her.
The collaboration was a meeting of powerhouse vocal styles: Hudson’s celebrated, thunderous voice paired with Pentatonix’s masterful, intricate harmonies. Hudson sought to transform the traditional hymn into a dramatic, goosebump-inducing arrangement that leveraged the group’s unique ability to sound like a full orchestra. The decision to collaborate with the non-traditional group was a gamble that paid off immensely.
The resulting version of “How Great Thou Art” was immediately hailed by critics and fans alike as a transcendent performance, quickly considered one of the best covers of the song in history. The track stunned produces with its sheer vocal perfection and emotional power. The collaboration’s success transcended album sales, achieving the highest recognition in the music industry. The unexpected gospel duet went on to win the Grammy Award for Best Gospel Performance at the 59th Annual Grammy Awards in 2017. This prestigious victory cemented the unexpected pairing of Jennifer Hudson and Pentatonix as a musical masterclass in collaboration, proving that the perfect harmony often comes from the most surprising combinations.