Brief

Tom Cruise dances “Risky Business” routine on Jennifer Hudson Show’s Spirit Tunnel

The star’s appearance on the talk show featured a black‑sunglass shuffle and a custom “Old Time Rock & Roll” tribute.

By Felo News Desk · Published Wed, 30 Sep 2026 13:56:06 GMT

Tom Cruise performed a “Risky Business” dance in the Jennifer Hudson Show’s Spirit Tunnel on Sept. 30, 2026, as part of his press tour for the upcoming film Digger, Variety reported.

What happened

During the pre‑show segment known as the Spirit Tunnel, Cruise entered the hallway wearing black Ray‑Ban sunglasses and joined staff members who sang a customized version of Bob Seger’s “Old Time Rock & Roll.” The crew’s lyrics referenced Cruise’s iconic 1983 dance, and he shuffled and kicked along, pulling several staffers into the routine.

What the reports add

Billboard noted that the performance took place at the show’s Los Angeles studio after Cruise’s “Digger” U.S. premiere on Sept. 28, and described the crew’s chant, “We’ve got Tom Cruise at the Happy Place… He’s a legend everybody knows.” Variety added that Hudson booked Cruise after a meeting at the World Cup final and quoted her saying she asked, “Tom, could you imagine your Spirit Tunnel?”

What was said

Jennifer Hudson told Variety, “I was like, ‘Tom, could you imagine your Spirit Tunnel? What do you think they’re going to sing for you?’” Cruise replied to Hudson, “I watch the show, Jennifer. I watch everything. I watched you on ‘American Idol.’”

How it came about

The appearance follows Cruise’s recent promotion of Digger, an apocalyptic climate satire directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu, which he highlighted at an Academy Museum screening earlier this month (Felo coverage). The talk‑show stop is the latest in a series of promotional events for the film, which opens nationwide on Oct. 2.

Key facts

Tom Cruise performed a “Risky Business” dance in the Jennifer Hudson Show’s Spirit Tunnel on Sept. 30, 2026. (variety.com)
The performance featured black Ray‑Ban sunglasses and a custom “Old Time Rock & Roll” tribute. (billboard.com)
Cruise’s appearance was part of his press tour for the upcoming film Digger, directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu. (variety.com)