Setting the Stage: Jennifer Holliday Blows the Roof Off of Apollo Live

Watch the diva work on Apollo Live.

The Voice - With a voice that's powerful but can also be sweet, Jennifer Holliday made a name for herself by performing on one of the toughest stages: Broadway. Our contestants definitely need to take a page of out Ms. Holiday's book and here's why.(Photo: C.Smith/ WENN.com)

1 / 5

The Voice - With a voice that's powerful but can also be sweet, Jennifer Holliday made a name for herself by performing on one of the toughest stages: Broadway. Our contestants definitely need to take a page of out Ms. Holiday's book and here's why.(Photo: C.Smith/ WENN.com)

A True Dream - Most known for her rendition of "And I Am Telling You" from her stint in the Broadway play Dreamgirls, Ms. Holliday knows how to show the great progression of a performance effortlessly. Tip #1: Start off slow, steady and soft and gradually progress to powerhouse mode.(Photo:Moses Robinson/WireImage)

2 / 5

A True Dream - Most known for her rendition of "And I Am Telling You" from her stint in the Broadway play Dreamgirls, Ms. Holliday knows how to show the great progression of a performance effortlessly. Tip #1: Start off slow, steady and soft and gradually progress to powerhouse mode.(Photo:Moses Robinson/WireImage)

Jennifer Holliday: October 19 - The Tony Award-winning actress and singer turns 52.  (Photo: Mark Davis/Getty Images)

3 / 5

Give Face - Not only is her voice dynamic, but her performance style is like none other. You can see and feel each and every emotion through each word she sings. Tip #2: Emote through every song that you perform. (Photo: Mark Davis/Getty Images)

Find Your Comfort Zone - Usually there's a certain point in a performance where you become super comfortable. For Patti LaBelle the shoes come off. For Jennifer Holliday? Her voice seems to get bigger. Tip #3: There's always one major rule to any great performance and that's letting people inside to everything that you feel when you perform. Give a little piece of yourself to the audience. (Photo: Courtesy of Euphonic Records)

4 / 5

Find Your Comfort Zone - Usually there's a certain point in a performance where you become super comfortable. For Patti LaBelle the shoes come off. For Jennifer Holliday? Her voice seems to get bigger. Tip #3: There's always one major rule to any great performance and that's letting people inside to everything that you feel when you perform. Give a little piece of yourself to the audience. (Photo: Courtesy of Euphonic Records)

Photo By Photo: Courtesy of Euphonic Records

Diva Extraordinaire - Now that we've covered all the basics for a great performance, don't miss Jennifer Holliday blow the lid off Apollo Live. Tonight at 10P/9C.(Photo: Fred Prouser /Landov/Reuters)

5 / 5

Diva Extraordinaire - Now that we've covered all the basics for a great performance, don't miss Jennifer Holliday blow the lid off Apollo Live. Tonight at 10P/9C.(Photo: Fred Prouser /Landov/Reuters)