Jennifer Hudson performed her rendition of the national anthem Thursday afternoon at Mile High Stadium in Denver to kick off the final day of the Democratic National Convention.

Earlier this week, the ‘Dreamgirls’ Oscar winner and former “American Idol” contender was asked personally by Senator Obama to perform at the event. Hudson, who calls Barack a “great role model,” told Entertainment Tonight that she had never yet sang for such a large crowd.

“This is definitely one of the biggest honors for me,” she said. “It’s something that I’ve really wanted to do.”