Jennifer Holliday earned praise at the Tonys for her performance of her famous song from Dreamgirls, “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going.” The performance was part of the Tonys’ celebration of Broadway’s most popular musicals over the decades. Holliday originally sang the song at the Tonys in 1982.

Many in the audience stood in rapture as Holliday sang the song that has defined her career. Afterwards, she was given a standing ovation. Holliday was also thanked by many other Tony winners for her work.

Wow! Jennifer Holliday just stopped the show with her iconic #Dreamgirls number. #TonyAwards pic.twitter.com/CFYHNRc56E
— The McCallum Theatre (@McCallumTheatre) September 27, 2021

The performance was also one of the biggest highlights on Twitter, with viewers reacting to the emotion in Holliday’s vocals.

“That deep emotional pain and devastation only she can deliver!” wrote one commenter. “That’s what the song is about. No one else comes close to her as Effie.”

“One of my fondest Broadway memories was seeing Dreamgirls during its first Broadway run. #JenniferHolliday took my breath away-then & now,” wrote another viewer. “Jennifer Holliday still KILLING IT every damn time she sings thins song!!!” wrote another.

Sobbing! Jennifer Holliday at 60 ladies and gents! Raw power vocals! That deep emotional pain and devastation only she can deliver! That’s what the song is about. No one else comes close to her as Effie. #TonyAwards https://t.co/Tf9VeWqHPq
— Yi Yao (@YiYaoPH) September 27, 2021

One of my fondest Broadway memories was seeing Dreamgirls during its first Broadway run.#JenniferHolliday took my breath away-then & now💕 #TonyAwards https://t.co/hqR92D8syb
— Leona Humphries (@Gingersling) September 27, 2021

Jennifer Holliday still KILLING IT every damn time she sings this song!!! 🤯 #TonyAwards #JenniferHolliday https://t.co/bYypYwigwt
— Bex Lester (@GlamBex) September 27, 2021

The Tonys featured David Alan Grier winning for his role in A Soldier’s Play, and Adrienne Warren for her leading role in Tina – The Tina Turner Musical.