Kelly Lawler

USA TODAY

Thank goodness for Jennifer Hudson.

The actress took on the role of Motormouth Maybelle in NBC's latest (and greatest) live musical, Hairspray Live!, which meant she got to sing one of the musical's most powerful numbers, I Know Where I've Been. The musical takes place in 1960s Baltimore and focuses on the Civil Rights Movement, and Hudson's song is a particularly emotional one in that context.

Even in a cast with crooners like Ariana Grande and Kristin Chenoweth, Hudson's number is the clear standout, bringing down the house and bringing us to tears all at once. Watch below.

Yeah, we've forgotten about Peter Pan, too.

To hear about what the Hairspray set was like days before the live show, listen to the Straight Up Hollywood podcast.