WATCH: Jennifer Hudson celebrates her 500th episode with a vibrant ‘Spirit Tunnel’ dance

“The Jennifer Hudson Show” has reached a major milestone, celebrating its 500th episode. The talk show kicked off back in 2022 with guests like Simon Cowell and Viola Davis.

To celebrate this achievement, the show’s host, Jennifer Hudson was treated to the famous and lively Spirit Tunnel performance by the show’s staff, which she joyously danced to.

For those unfamiliar, the “Spirit Tunnel” is a beloved tradition on the show where staff members gather in the hallway to welcome guests with a custom-made song and energetic performance.

The tradition quickly garnered interest on the internet, with some Spirit Tunnel dances going more viral than others. It has grown to be a moment that many look forward to, including the guests. 

In an exclusive interview with "People", the multi-award-winning talk show host revealed how the  Spirit Tunnel began. Hudson shared that the tradition was inspired by her staff members who would energetically hype her when she would come out.

The staff would then line up and sing, creating a lively atmosphere that Hudson thought would be great to share with the world.

She said: “They used to do it for me as I would come out, and I’m like, ‘Y’all, we need to be showing this to the world. Show it!” 

She added that when it started, it ended up taking a life of its own which is something that people got to witness because the dances went pretty viral on the internet, with celebrity guests looking forward to turning the corner and being met by a lively team ready to hype them up.

Additionally, the 43-year-old singer and actress shared that the purpose of the Spirit Tunnel is to create a safe space for her guests and to create positive energy.

From actors to musicians, each guest receives a unique custom chant and memorable welcome that often goes viral on social media. Some of the most notable spirit tunnel performances that have gone viral include:

Aaron Pierre’s viral Spirit Tunnel

If you are chronically online, you know this one. “Aaron. Pierre. That’s Mufasa!” was the popular chant, and it definitely got stuck in your head for at least a week straight.

Pierre’s looks were not the only thing the people on the internet admired but his dancing down the hallway left a lasting impression too. 

The moment went viral so fast that the show had to turn off their social media comments because the ladies were drooling over the heartthrob.

Other notable spirit tunnel performances have included guests like American R&B sensation Usher and former First Lady Michelle Obama, who received one of the most energetic and creative welcomes that showcased the show’s fun and lighthearted atmosphere.

Hudson’s warm personality and passion for her guests and her team shine through in every episode, and the Spirit Tunnel moments make “The Jennifer Hudson Show” a must-watch for fans of talk shows and celebrity interviews.