For many years now, Oprah Winfrey has been the standard-bearer for motivational media, using various platforms to educate and inspire her fans in the areas of wellness, empowerment, self-improvement, race and philanthropy. Well, it seems O is also a musical inspiration as well, or at least, her network (OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network) is.
Legendary songwriter Diane Warren came to Oprah, surprising her with news that she had written a song, "You Will," with OWN in mind. In addition, she recruited not one, but two GRAMMY Award-winning vocalists to perform the song -- R&B powerhouse Jennifer Hudson and country music superstar Jennifer Nettles (half of on-again/off-again duo, Sugarland). Warren says, "The sentiment of my song, ‘You Will’... is that you should never give up on your dreams, own every breath, own every minute, go live a life that’s got no limits. You can do anything. It’s as simple as never think you won’t, and you will."
Hudson and Nettles each bring their own strengths to the uplifting anthem, which will serve as the new theme song for the network. And while the song itself didn't necessarily blow me away (nothing to do with the vocal performances), the overall message is certainly something that we can all benefit from. When paired with the visual images in the music video, it makes for an even more powerful statement. Most importantly, Oprah approves, declaring, "to have Jennifer Hudson and Jennifer Nettles bring the song to life with their stunning collaboration…what a gift.”
Check out the audio and the network music video below for today's dose of motivation. For more on the "You Will" campaign, be sure to tune in to OWN tonight at 9 p.m. ET/PT where it will premiere during the season finale of The Haves and the Have Nots. The song is also available for purchase on iTunes.
