White hot! Jennifer Hudson sizzles in a figure-hugging dress as she honours Amy Winehouse at Inspiration Awards

PUBLISHED: 05:58, 22 March 2013 | UPDATED: 06:34, 22 March 2013

It's hard to believe that Jennifer Hudson ever had a weight issue, as she simply looked breathtaking on Thursday.

The Grammy Award-winning singer showed off her curves in a figure-hugging white dress as she attended the first annual Amy Winehouse Foundation Inspiration Awards and Gala at The Waldorf Astoria in New York.

Her dazzling dress plunged at the neckline, revealing a little bit of cleavage, and cinched at the waist with a thin belt.

White hot: Jennifer Hudson showed off her curves in a figure-hugging white dress as she attended the first annual Amy Winehouse Foundation Inspiration Awards and Gala at The Waldorf Astoria in New York City on Thursday

But it wasn't just Jennifer's outfit that looked fabulous.

She also made a statement with bright red lipstick, perfectly complimenting her crisp white ensemble.

And her long brunette was styled in pretty curls as she performed on stage to celebrate the influential music made by the late Amy Winehouse.

Sexy extras: The Grammy Award-winning singer wore hot red lipstick and had her brunette hair styled in sleek curls

Remembering a legend: Jennifer performed on stage at the Amy Winehouse event

The Academy Award-winning actress earned a standing ovation from the crowd of a few hundred for songs such as And I am Telling You I'm Not Going and The First Time I Ever Saw Your Face.

Hudson called the event 'beautiful' and said Winehouse was 'such a talent, such a gift.'

Tony Bennett also paid tribute to the star, saying she lived a complete life because she was able to achieve her goal: becoming a respected musician.

Kind words: The former American Idol star called the event 'beautiful' and said Winehouse was 'such a talent, such a gift'

'Her dream was to become famous and a beautiful singer and she accomplished that,' he said.

'Even though she had a short life, she had a great life because she ended up praying for the success that she wanted and it happened. This is what this night's about.'

Winehouse and Bennett won a Grammy Award last year for the duet Body & Soul.

Belafonte presented the award to Bennett, and even said Bennett introduced him to Winehouse's music.

A good night: Tony Bennett holds his award as he poses with Mitch Winehouse and Harry Belafonte

Complimentary: Bennett said Amy had a full life

He brought on the laughs before he invited Bennett to the stage.

Seconds after a loud thump was heard - Belafonte's cane fell to the floor - the 86-year-old said: 'Excuse me, I just dropped my teeth.'

Other attendees included Winehouse's father - who wore a T-shirt with her face on it, mother and brother, her ex-boyfriend Reg Traviss, Sean Lennon and producer Salaam Remi.