Jennifer Hudson Pre-Records National Anthem for Super Bowl Performance

For the over 90 million people who tuned in to the Super Bowl this past weekend watching Jennifer Hudson's first public performance in months was as anticipated as the commercials.

The singer did not disappoint by passionately belting out the words of the National anthem, but later it was revealed that the performance was pre-recorded.

According to the show's producer Ricky Minor, who is also the music director for 'American Idol,' Hudson lip-synched per his request.

"This was such an important performance, because it's the first time everyone has seen Jennifer. But she's in such a great place, with such great spirits, and time can heal her wounds," he said. "She's on fire right now and totally grounded." Following her performance Hudson received a text from her 'Dreamgirls' co-star Jamie Foxx that read "Amazing. It brought tears to my eyes."

On the big day, he also requested that singer Faith Hill, who performed right before Hudson pre-record her rendition of 'America the Beautiful' as well. "There's too many variables to go live. I would never recommend any artist go live, because the slightest glitch would devastate the performance."

A long time producer, Minor is also the man behind Whitney Houston's 1991 Super Bowl performance of the anthem.

Hudson, who has been in seclusion following the brutal murders of her mother, brother and nephew in October, is slowly getting back to work. The Oscar winner recently shot the video for her second single, 'If It Isn't Love' in Los Angeles. She will also perform at the MusiCares event this week and will attend the Grammy's on Sunday. Her self-titled debut release is up for four nominations.