Her fans remember her electrifying performance in Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Class Reunion as Diana, the mistreated wife who finds her real value—and as Katie, the mother who learns the real power of forgiveness and redemption in Madea Goes To Jail. She is currently featured in Tyler Perry's Silver Sreen Movie, Daddy's Little Girls as the Choir Soloist. From concerts, conferences, festivals—at schools and auditoriums across the country and in Europe—the voice, the music and message of phenomenal gospel vocalist Judy Peterson brings joy and hope to her audiences. Her simple mission is one of inspiration to people from all diversities of life.

Judy grew up in the small town Gifford community, located in Vero Beach, Florida. “The first time I can remember singing was when I was five years old, at a program at my dad’s church," says Judy. “After I sang, everybody told me I was terrible, except my mom. She said I was wonderful. My mom was a powerful woman of God—so it didn’t matter to me what everybody else said. When mama said I could, then I could. I just kept singing.” And sing she did. In elementary and high school Judy sang at church, family gatherings and in talent shows and competitions. Upon graduation from high school Judy received a scholarship to attend the prestigious Stillman College, where she was a devoted member and lead vocalist in the famed Stillman College Chorale.

After graduation from college, Judy was the victim of a near fatal automobile accident. On impact, her neck hit the steering wheel. The prognosis was grim. Doctors at Tampa Bay General Hospital diagnosed that her vocal chords had been severely damaged. According to medical professionals, the accident should have ended her singing aspirations. However Judy was determined that the diagnosis would not deter her from what she knew was her destiny. “I refused to give in to any negative thought that would hinder my divine purpose,” says Judy. “God had miraculously spared my life, so I knew that healing my vocal chords wasn’t too hard for Him.” With steadfast faith, abundant love and prayer from family and friends and superior medical attention, Judy was completely healed.

Since that time, and with an even greater zeal, Judy shares her gift and testimony of faith everywhere. Not only is she a sought-after guest soloist across the country, Judy has toured with the famous Harlem Gospel Singers, in Holland, Australia, Venice, Canada, Germany, Austria, Rome, Paris, the Bahamas, and has performed as special guest at the 2004 Stockholm Gospel Festival.

Currently Judy is sharing her tremendous vocal and acting abilities in Tyler Perry’s Madea Goes To Jail. “Tyler Perry is a talented playwright and actor and I am extremely honored and grateful to God for the chance to work with him” she says. “But more importantly—he is a quality, deeply caring human being who uses the gift of laughter and the power of truth to minister to people. With all of the sadness and depression in our world today, it is so fulfilling for me to be a part of something that brings joy to people every night.”

Judy’s latest CD release entitled Faith (Lead Role Records) has the embrace of the record industry and gospel music lovers alike. “The experience of recording in Chicago, arguably the gospel music capital of the world, was wonderful” says Judy. “Everybody in Chicago can sing. My label slated this CD to be a studio project and I am a live singer—so the challenge was definitely there. But from the start it was an awesome experience. Every time I came into the studio, the presence of God was there. I was blessed with not only super-talented musicians and singers, but also people of like-faith. We prayed together. With one single focus—we asked God to use us in every track. Our goal was to create a project that would give the listener a change of heart and to encourage them to put on a garment of praise for their spirit of heaviness. Faith in God is the key. There is a familiar biblical passage that says, 'Faith is the substance of things hoped for; the evidence of things not seen.' When we can’t see it, we have to hold on and believe that God can and will do the impossible. I want my music to encourage people—whatever their challenges, and in spite of the odds—to hold on to their faith.”