Jennifer Hudson Gushes About Working With Ariana Grande, Kristin Chenoweth And ‘Hairspray Live!’ Cast

Jennifer Hudson is done playing Motormouth Maybelle for NBC’s live production of “Hairspray Live!,” but she just can’t stop gushing about her co-stars. The 35-year-old singer proudly expressed her admiration for some of the artists she got to work with in the television special adaptation of the 2002 Broadway musical.

After the successful broadcast on Wednesday night, Hudson took to Instagram the following day to share snaps of her and some of her cast members and even raved about their personalities and talent.

One snap shows Hudson giving Ariana Grande a hug following their powerful rendition of “Come So Far (Got So Far to Go).” The “Dreamgirls” actress lauded the “Dangerous Woman” singer for being talented. She also admitted in the caption that she finds Grande and her entire camp or family “lovely.”

In another post, Hudson shared a photo of her and Tony Award-winning theater actress Kristin Chenoweth. The “American Idol” Season 3 contender revealed that she idolizes Chenoweth and that she wants “to be like her.” She also added that she can’t wait until the two of them can work together again.

Hudson did not forget to compliment the man of the hour, Harvey Fierstein, who donned a surprising look for the show as he portrayed Edna Turnblad. Hudson said the actor was just “amazing” and is “the best in every way.” The “If This Isn’t Live” hitmaker also shared a snap and a video clip of her playing with Fierstein’s fake breasts for his role.

Hudson expressed her admiration for Kenny Leon, the director of the live production. For the singer-actress, Leon is one of her all-time favorite directors alongside Bill Condon. She also thanked Leon for believing in her.

In an earlier post, Hudson revealed that Leon’s pre-show speech moved everyone. She also noted how she loved to see the entire team working passionately together and how everyone supported each other.