/*Hudson*/ used the Super Bowl's massive television audience for her first public appearance since the October slayings in Chicago of her mother, brother and 7-year-old nephew. Her estranged brother-in-law has been charged in the killings.
Hudson, who clocked in at 2 minutes, 13 seconds, looked relieved when she was through.
Singing the national anthem at the /*Super Bowl*/ is considered a prestigious invitation, with all artists trying to match or better Whitney Houston's 1991 version, performed in Tampa during the first Iraq war.
But Hudson's performance was more personal than patriotic. Faith Hill, who sang "America the Beautiful" moments before Hudson's anthem, praised the former American Idol contestant for choosing the Super Bowl as her return.
"She is a strong girl, a girl of faith," Hill said during an NFL news conference earlier this week to introduce the entertainment. "I believe to come and perform the national anthem, which is this country's favorite song, at a time that our country is stepping up and moving forward for future generations - I think it's just the perfect choice."
Hudson's now expected to resume her active work schedule. The singer/actress, who won an Oscar for best supporting actress for her role in "Dreamgirls," is scheduled to perform at next week's Grammy Awards. And her new video for "If This Isn't Love" is set to debut the week of Feb. 9.
Hudson has yet to speak publicly about the slayings.
CLICK HERE to follow Action News on Twitter
CLICK HERE to get Action News on your website
CLICK HERE to find Action News on Facebook
