Here’s a juicy behind-the-scenes drama that’s got everyone talking: Why did Mariah Carey skip Jennifer Hudson’s iconic spirit tunnel trend? It’s a question that’s sparked curiosity, debate, and even a bit of shade from Andy Cohen. But here’s where it gets controversial: Cohen insists it’s all about the lighting—or lack thereof. But is he right?
During a recent episode of Watch What Happens Live, Cohen playfully threw shade at The Jennifer Hudson Show’s spirit tunnel, claiming Mariah Carey avoided it due to “bad lighting.” He didn’t hold back, pointing out Carey’s well-known aversion to unflattering illumination. “It’s a fluorescent-lit hallway,” he quipped, seemingly case closed. But Jennifer Hudson wasn’t having it.
Hudson fired back, defending her show’s lighting setup and even revealing that Carey has full control over the lights during her appearances. “We have good lighting!” Hudson insisted. Laverne Cox, who had previously participated in the spirit tunnel, chimed in to back Hudson up. “I’m Black, and the lighting was sickening,” Cox said, shutting down Cohen’s theory. And this is the part most people miss: Hudson also noted that Carey “brings her own light”—literally. So, if lighting wasn’t the issue, what was?
Hudson remained tight-lipped, nervously stating, “Mariah wouldn’t want me to say.” She emphasized that Carey, like any guest, has the freedom to choose whether to participate in the trend. “We just want everybody to have a beautiful experience,” Hudson added. Cox echoed this sentiment, declaring, “Mariah has earned the right to do whatever she wants.”
But Cohen wasn’t convinced. He doubled down on his lighting theory, prompting Cox to reiterate, “The lighting was sickening.” Cohen’s response? “I mean, it’s a hallway.” Is he being overly critical, or does he have a point?
This lighthearted—yet surprisingly heated—debate raises a bigger question: How much control should celebrities have over their on-screen appearances? And does Mariah Carey’s refusal to participate in the spirit tunnel trend set a precedent for other stars? Let’s discuss in the comments—do you think Cohen’s lighting theory holds water, or is there more to the story? One thing’s for sure: this drama has us all hooked.
Catch Watch What Happens Live Sunday through Thursday at 10 p.m. ET on Bravo, with new episodes available to stream the next day on Peacock.
