(Photo: Carlo Allegri/Reuters)Singer/ actress Jennifer HudsonJennifer Hudson and choir students from Sandy Hook Elementary School joined forces during the Super Bowl on Sunday, causing emotional reactions for many viewers.
Ahead of the NFL match between the San Francisco 49ers and the Baltimore Ravens in New Orleans, Hudson took the stage along with a group of 26 children for the song "America the Beautiful." Watch the video on YouTube here.
The chorus students were from Newtown, Conn., where their school has endured tragedy and heartache. It was there that gunman Adam Lanza killed 20 children and six adults in a mass shooting on Dec. 14.
In response to the moving performance by Hudson and the choir, Twitter users flooded the social media site with emotional posts.
Rick posted, "That Jennifer Hudson Newtown thing crushed me. Seeing 26 kids made me think of 26 who should still be with us."
"I'm truly speechless & forever touched to see the NFL's Tribute using Sandy Hook Elem. School's Chorus & @IamJHUD," wrote Greg. "Beautiful! #MyHeroes"
"Wow! What an incredible start to #SB47," wrote Carly.
"LOVE that Sandy Hook Elementary School Chorus sand with Jennifer Hudson," wrote Brunette.
"Jennifer Hudson DELIVERED and looking amazing," posted Tyler. "I love that they gave those kids a meaningful and positive moment to remember."
Twitter user Michelle posted that she was "blown away" by the performance, while Elle Magazine described it as "an emotional and vocally stunning opening to the #SuperBowl."
Hudson herself even took to the micro blogging site before singing "America the Beautiful" on Sunday.
"Such a privilege to be performing w/ the Sandy Hook Elementary chorus at the #SuperBowl today," the singer posted to Twitter hours before the game. "We go on just before kickoff!"
The 2013 Super Bowl pre-game show was one of many ways the NFL has honored the 26 victims in Newtown. Many players donned messages of condolence and support for Newtown on their helmets, cleats, and gloves in the wake of the tragedy.
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