A former “The Voice” coach penned a touching tribute to R&B singer D’Angelo, who passed away on Oct. 14, after a battle with pancreatic cancer. The singer was 51.
Jennifer Hudson, who found fame after competing on season 3 of “American Idol” and later appeared as a coach for “The Voice” for both the UK and US, took to Instagram to share how the singer’s death “really hurt.”
Jennifer Hudson Pays Tribute to D’Angelo: ‘This Really Hurts’
Those in the entertainment world are penning heartfelt tributes to singer D’Angelo, who passed away on Oct. 14. The loss of the multiple Grammy-award-winning soul musician was a shock to Hollywood, especially to those in the music industry who were inspired by his artistry.
Former “The Voice” coach Jennifer Hudson took to Instagram to share how his passing deeply affected her.
“This really hurts ! We lost a true original today. It just doesn’t seem real!! It can’t be. D’Angelo, your voice will live on forever. Rest well, King !!!” Hudson captioned a black-and-white image of the singer.
Those in her comment section were also shocked by his death. According to People, D’Angelo (who was born Michael Eugene Archer) had been out of the spotlight for some time before his passing.
“OMG, I’m shocked, I’m learning this through your post. I was learning to his songs earlier today, that’s so sad, such a unique talent and voice !!!” A fan wrote.
“REST IN PEACE so sad the world lost icon and musical genius today.” another comment read.
‘The Voice’ Coach John Legend Pens Lengthy Tribute to D’Angelo
John Legend, who took a break from “The Voice” season 28 to tour, shared a lengthy tribute to D’Angelo, reflecting on how the singer had changed his life. The “All of Me” artist also shared a personal story about just how much of a fan he was of the late musician.
“I’m heartbroken to hear of the passing of one of our generation’s greatest artists, D’Angelo. I remember 1995, when Brown Sugar came out and changed my life. I was just graduating high school and moved to Philadelphia to go to college. I bought my first stereo with a CD player (strictly cassette tapes and vinyl before that!), and my first 2 CD purchases were Brown Sugar and Mary J Blige’s classic My Life. I played both of these albums incessantly,” Legend captioned his image of D’Angelo.
Legend would go on to share how D’Angelo “inspired” him “so much,” even admitting that he tried to “imitate” the singer’s “smoky tones and smooth falsetto.”
“Every album from D’Angelo was an event, something his fans were waiting for, something we needed. Every album meant so much to me as a lover of soul music,” he added.
According to Entertainment Weekly, several other A-list artists also shared tributes to the late singer, including Beyoncé, Kelly Rowland (who has appeared on “The Voice” Australia and UK), Lauryn Hill, and Jill Scott.
