Jennifer Hudson is set to take centre stage at the Vatican on December 5, where she will headline the seventh edition of the annual Concert With the Poor, an event expected to be attended by Pope Leo XIV.

The EGOT-winning singer and actress will perform at the Vatican’s Paul VI Audience Hall, with approximately 8,000 people expected to attend. More than 3,000 people experiencing poverty and other vulnerable circumstances will be welcomed as guests of honour.

Hudson will be accompanied by the Nova Opera Orchestra and the Choir of the Diocese of Rome, under the artistic direction of Monsignor Marco Frisina. Italian singer and actress Serena Autieri will also make a special appearance, while Enzo Campagnoli is set to conduct the orchestra.

Organised by the Nova Opera Foundation, the concert uses music to promote compassion, solidarity and hope. The event will also be broadcast on Italian television and streamed internationally through major Catholic broadcasters.

Hudson described the invitation as a great honour. Her participation also follows her appearance at the Vatican’s Grace for the World concert in September 2025, where she performed alongside other international stars.

Last year’s Concert With the Poor was headlined by Michael Bublé, with Pope Leo XIV in attendance. Hudson now takes the spotlight for an evening that brings music and humanitarian outreach together.

Although the setlist has not yet been announced, the December performance adds another major international moment to Hudson’s career and places her at the centre of one of the Vatican’s notable annual musical events.