Coco Jones Channels Effie, Deena and Lorell from Dreamgirls for Halloween 2025

After previous homages to icons like Donna Summer and Princess Tiana, Coco Jones arrived this Halloween with a bold new concept: a multi-character tribute to Dreamgirls that she dubs “Steppin’ to the Bad Side.”

The Grammy winner unveiled the elaborate look across her official social channels on Thursday, Oct. 20, 2025, recreating the film’s promotional poster by portraying Effie White, Deena Jones and Lorell Robinson in a single, glamorous series of images.

Beyond the photographic homage, Jones shared a clip of herself performing a cover of the musical’s title song — complete with choreography reminiscent of the movie’s memorable stage moments. In the video she sports a baby-blue, form-fitting gown that evokes the film’s aesthetic and even echoes the neck-rolling, Diana Ross–inspired moves Beyoncé popularized in the 2006 adaptation. Watch the post on Instagram. Instagram

The 2006 Dreamgirls film featured an ensemble cast that included Beyoncé, Jennifer Hudson, Anika Noni Rose, Jamie Foxx, Loretta Devine, Eddie Murphy and Danny Glover; Jennifer Hudson won an Academy Award for her supporting role. The movie expanded upon the original 1981 Broadway production — which starred Loretta Devine, Sheryl Lee Ralph and Jennifer Holliday — adding new material and broadening several storylines. Earlier this year, director-choreographer Camille A. Brown confirmed she will helm a Broadway revival of Dreamgirls, with performances scheduled to begin in fall 2026. Playbill

Jones’ tribute also tapped into the frequent comparisons between her and Jennifer Hudson. During a 2023 appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show, the two shared a laugh over how often fans conflate their looks — a joke Jones said she now leans into, even offering an impromptu rendition of Hudson’s signature Dreamgirls anthem, “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going.” YouTube

This Halloween moment is just one highlight in a landmark year for Jones. In 2025 she released her debut studio album, Why Not More?, launched a headline tour in support of the record, and announced her engagement to NBA star Donovan Mitchell. She has also appeared as an opening act on select dates of Brandy and Monica’s The Boy Is Mine arena tour.

See Coco Jones’ full Halloween look and photo gallery on her Instagram here.

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