Singing a classic tune made famous by Aretha Franklin poses a challenge for any singer, no matter how talented or experienced. But an Alabama teen made it look, well, almost easy this week when he was featured on “The Jennifer Hudson Show.”

Reid Wilson of Montgomery, 14, covered “Ain’t No Way” on Monday’s episode of the syndicated talk show, earning kudos from Hudson, a powerhouse singer who knows a thing or two about covering the Queen of Soul. She portrayed Franklin in the 2021 movie “Respect,” singing “Ain’t No Way” and several more of Franklin’s signature tunes.

Wilson appeared on Hudson’s show during a “Spotlight” segment, performing for the audience and chatting with Hudson. He was accompanied on keyboard by his brother, Ryley Tate Wilson, who earned TV fame as a contestant on “The Voice” earlier this year.

Ryley Tate made the Top 8 on “The Voice” during Season 23, and became a fan favorite. Evidently, vocal talent runs in the Wilson family, as his brother made clear this week on Hudson’s show.

The teen told Hudson he’s been singing since early childhood, but it took time for him to gain control of his voice, with the help of a vocal coach. Wilson also made sure to mention that he’s a super-fan of Hudson’s music, and was “running around the house in circles, my hands above my head, screaming,” when asked to be a guest on her show.

“Your voice is amazing,” Hudson told Wilson on the episode. “I think you are a star, and you are well on your way. You keep singing the way you do.” (Watch excerpts from Wilson’s appearance on “The Jennifer Hudson Show” in the video below.)

Wilson started posting videos on Instagram a few months ago, earning more than 400,000 likes for a Nov. 2 clip that features his rendition of “Ain’t No Way.” Evidently, his social media post made its way to Hudson and her team, prompting the “Spotlight” segment.

“Dreams really do come true!!!!,” Wilson said in a Monday Instagram post. “Thank you SOOOO much to everyone for your kind words and especially for tagging the one and only JHUD!!!!! It worked!! She saw my video and I got to be on her show and SING with the legend herself!!”

Hudson, 42, entered the public radar in 2004 as a contestant on “American Idol,” earning praise from guest judge Elton John and a Top 7 spot in the TV singing competition. Although she didn’t win the “Idol” title, Hudson was on her way, forging a big-league career that includes an Oscar-winning performance in the movie “Dreamgirls.” She’s also served as a coach on “The Voice,” although not during the season Ryley Tate Wilson competed on that show.

Hudson’s syndicated talk show premiered in September 2022, and is in its second season.