For countless families across the country, gathering around the television to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a holiday tradition. Some may even call the annual parade iconic. So it’s only fitting that famous artists like Jennifer Hudson come to the parade to perform. The EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony) winner made her Thanksgiving Day Parade debut today after watching the event every year with her family as a child.

If anyone ever needed an example of a powerful performance, look no further than Hudson’s performance today at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Despite all the floats, balloons, marching bands and other legendary performers, their first appearance in the show will go down as a highlight in history.

(RELATED: Watch Jennifer Hudson’s stunning Whitney Houston tribute rendition of “I Will Always Love You” at the American Music Awards.)

Earlier this week, Hudson appeared on The Today Show to talk about her current tour, her Christmas album and her debut in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. “I’m so excited,” she said of her debut performance. “I mean, I grew up watching it on TV. So it’s a dream to be here and to be able to be a part of it,” she added.

Jennifer Hudson on the recording The gift of love This summer

Jennifer Hudson has released her first holiday album. The gift of love, Earlier this year. In the interview she revealed that she recorded it in the summer. One of the co-hosts asked how she got into the holiday spirit given the high temperatures in her hometown of Chicago.

“I went to the beach, rode my bike and listened to Christmas music,” she revealed. “Y’all, it’s the most relaxing thing. I recommend it to everyone. Try it. “You still have the same feeling no matter what the weather, no matter what time of year,” Hudson explained.

Hudson also talked about collaborating with her boyfriend Common on her Christmas album. “For one thing, it’s so much more fun,” she said of collaborating on a project with her partner. “Then I can learn from him. He’s a hip-hop legend,” she added.

The gift of love is now available to stream everywhere. The album contains Christmas classics as well as original songs.

Featured image by Sara Jaye/Getty Images for Old Navy