Gallery: Jennifer Hudson Dazzles in Downers Grove at Art Van Furniture Gala

Art Van Furniture officially opened its flagship store Thursday night in Downers Grove with a ribbon cutting and gala, attended by about 1,500 VIPs and Chicago’s own Jennifer Hudson.

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Hudson balanced inspiring, emotional strains with powerful, heart-bursting ballads. Her abbreviated performance of “I Will Always Love You” brought the singer and several in the audience to tears. Scroll down to see a gallery of photos.

She even welcomed a crowd onto the stage to dance with her — an opportunity Art Van Elslander, founder and chairman of Art Van Furniture, took full advantage of.

The full set included:

• Love You I Do
• Bring Back the Music
• Remember the Music
• Spotlight
• I Will Always Love You
• Hallelujah
• It’s Your World/Uptown Funk
• And I Am Telling You

The gala was also punctuated by photo opps with fashion photographer Nigel Barker and HGTV’s Hilary Farr, star of “Love It or List It.”

This Art Van location, the largest in the chain’s 55 year history, is the eighth store in the Chicago area and the 89th total, so far.

Elslander called this particular store “more than a dream come true.”

• Read more: Sneak Peek: Art Van Furniture Flagship in Downers Grove Opening Soon

Photos by Morgan Searles.