There is much to appreciate about Jennifer Hudson’s “Spotlight” segment and amazing duet with a 14–year–old Montgomery, Alabama teen—whose singing talent has gotten a lot of attention recently with his viral videos. Let’s break it down! 

Ms. Hudson is personable, engaging, and warm; she has sincerity in the way she interacts with her guests, which is impressive. And is she gorgeous or what? I love her hair, her striking blue and green dress, and her purple nails. 

As she and Reid Wilson chat, she learns that his musical influences are Toni Braxton, Whitney Houston, Ariana Grande, and Aretha Franklin. Reid loves soulful music, and he claims to be one of Jennifer’s biggest fans. He reports listening to Ms. Hudson when he takes walks and makes his bed each morning.  

Reid shares that he’s been singing since he was a “little kid,” but only recently has he been putting in the work to turn his “screaming” into a more controlled and disciplined sound. When his brother, 16-year-old Ryley Tate Wilson (aka Ryley Tate and a semi-finalist on The Voice, Season 23) shared a video of Reid with his own vocal coach, she encouraged Reid to start taming his powerful voice. That’s when Reid got busy, and he’s been posting videos for about a year. 

At the 2:00 minute mark, the Chicago native and American Idol alumnus asks for applause for Reid, saying, “Y'all give him a hand cuz he’s a baby, and he knows he is.” It is so motherly and sweet, and Reid doesn’t object one bit. He has already said “Yes, Ma’am” at least twice during their chat and is very respectful. Both the artist and the young man demonstrate unique humility. 

Reid recounts the experience of learning that he’d been invited to The Jennifer Hudson Show. He describes running around the house, waving his arms, and yelling with excitement. And, at 3:20, we see the two sing together a portion of Aretha Franklin’s 1968 release, “Ain’t No Way.”   

The notes that flow from Reid are strong, rich, and impassioned, and Jennifer pairs with him wonderfully. Just like Ryley Tate—at the piano and bringing the duet home with the final few words, Reid has obviously got crazy musical gifts!

While Reid hopes to sing for a living, this homeschooled teen also has a lot of other interests. He enjoys baking, crochet, gymnastics, baseball, and soccer. It sounds like Reid has a fabulous future! 

“The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.” Psalms 28:7