In true testament to the old theatre saying, “The show must go on!” Just hours after she announced on Twitter that her father had lost his battle to cancer, Vanessa Hudgens dedicated her performance as Rizzo in the FOX broadcast of “Grease Live” last night.
The show was filmed in front of a live studio audience and broadcast live and emotions pushed through the screen as Hudgens belted out her solo song, “There Are Worse Things I Could Do.”
The live audience burst out in applause and hundreds of fans who were watching the show at home shared their support for the star on Twitter for putting on a brave face after her devastating personal loss.
Many were overcome with emotions themselves and admired Hudgens bravery for going on with her live performance:
Vanessa slaying on #GreaseLive despite everything that just happened. U go girl, @VanessaHudgens
— Pravie (@praviexcx) February 1, 2016
@VanessaHudgens is one admirable woman, to do what she did after the day that she has had, i'm in awe — Sammy (@Sammyrobinson_) February 1, 2016
Huge shoutout to @VanessaHudgens for being so strong. You are amazing and what I aspire to be. Prayers to her, her family, & daddy ❤️
— Monica Walker (@theforevermoni) February 1, 2016
Even other celebrities were in awe of her:
My dear @VanessaHudgens, you were absolutely perfect on @GoGrease.. Your strength is inspiring. What a smile your father must have. — Wilmer Valderrama (@WValderrama) February 1, 2016
WOW @VanessaHudgens singing 'Worst Things' had me in tears. Just brilliant #GreaseLive
— Austin Butler (@austinbutler) February 1, 2016
Imagine if you had a day like @VanessaHudgens & performed like that. Wow.What a strong woman.My new hero#GreaseLive pic.twitter.com/ZSyprJ5hnY — Mario Lopez (@MarioLopezExtra) February 1, 2016
Back in August, Hudgens shared that her father was battling cancer when she accepted her award for Breakthrough Performer at the Industry Dance Awards in Los Angeles. She also shared how much she hated the disease because her boyfriend, Austin Butler of “Arrow,” had also lost his mother to cancer.
She shared the news of her father's passing on Twitter hours before “Grease Live” was scheduled to begin its broadcast.
I am so sad to say that last night my daddy, Greg passed away from stage 4 cancer. Thank you to everyone who kept him in your prayers.
— Vanessa Hudgens (@VanessaHudgens) January 31, 2016
The show was dedicated to Greg Hudgens and even though Julianne Hough and Aaron Tveit were the top-billers of the musical as Sandy and Danny Zuko, many agreed that Hudgens was the queen of the night.
