Super Bowl Producers Wanted Hudson to Lip-Synch

Jennifer Hudson kicked off the Super Bowl with a stirring performance, her first since the murders of her family members last October.

The singer, dressed in a comfortable ensemble of leggings, a flowing top and a military-style jacket, wowed the crowd with her soulful rendition of the national anthem -- which "Extra" has learned that the "Dream Girl" lip-synched, at the request of show producers.

Jennifer, whose estranged brother-in-law was recently charged in the slayings of her brother, mother and nephew, looked apprehensive before taking the stage.

"This was such an important performance, because it's the first time everyone has seen Jennifer," Rickey Minor, the pre-game show producer told AP, "But she's in such a great place, with such great spirits, and time can heal her wounds. She's on fire right now and totally grounded."

Hudson is scheduled to perform at the Grammy Awards on February 8, where she is nominated for four awards, including Best R&B album.