Jump to content

Jennifer Hudson

Page semi-protected
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Jennifer Hudson
Hudson in 2018
Born
Jennifer Kate Hudson

(1981-09-12) September 12, 1981 (age 43)
Other namesJ.Hud
EducationLangston University
Kennedy-King College
Occupations
  • Singer
  • actress
  • television presenter
Years active2004–present
Works
PartnersJames Payton (1999–2007)
David Otunga (2007–2017)
Common (2021–present)
Children1
MotherDarnell Donerson
AwardsFull list
Musical career
GenresR&B
InstrumentVocals
Labels

Jennifer Kate Hudson (born September 12, 1981), also known by her nickname J.Hud,[1] is an American singer and actress. Having received numerous accolades for her work in music, film, television, and theater, Hudson became the youngest woman and third African-American recipient of all four major American entertainment awards: Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony (EGOT) in 2022.[2] She was inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2013,[3] and Time named her one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2020.[4]

Hudson rose to fame in 2004 as a finalist on the third season of the reality series American Idol, wherein she placed seventh. She signed with Arista Records to release her self-titled debut studio album (2008), which peaked at number two on the Billboard 200 and won Best R&B Album at the 51st Annual Grammy Awards. Her second and third studio albums, I Remember Me (2011) and JHUD (2014), both peaked within the top ten of the Billboard 200; the latter was released by RCA Records. She signed with Interscope to release her fourth and first Christmas album, The Gift of Love (2024), her first solo project in a decade.

She made her film debut as Effie White in the musical Dreamgirls (2006), for which she won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress and became the youngest African-American recipient of the award. She has since portrayed Aretha Franklin in the musical biopic Respect (2021) and acted in films such as Sex and the City (2008), The Secret Life of Bees (2008), Winnie Mandela (2011), Black Nativity (2013), Sing (2016), Cats (2019). She also has appeared in shows such as Smash (2012), Empire (2015) and Confirmation (2016).

On stage, she acted in the Broadway musical revival The Color Purple (2015) and won the Tony Award for Best Musical as a producer of A Strange Loop (2022). Hudson has served as a coach on both the UK and the US versions of the reality series The Voice from 2017 to 2019, and became the first female coach to lead a winning team on the former.[5] Since 2022, she has hosted her own talk show, The Jennifer Hudson Show.

Early life

Hudson was born in Chicago, Illinois.[6][7] She is the third and youngest child of Darnell Donerson[8] and Samuel Simpson, a Greyhound Lines bus driver.[9][10] She, her older sister Julia, a school bus driver, and her brother Jason Hudson, were raised primarily by their mother. Her father was absent from her childhood until, with the blessing of her mother, she went looking for him at age 14. When Hudson found her father, she learned that he had 26 other children. She has stated she has still not met all of her half-siblings.[11]

She was raised as a Baptist[12] in Englewood[13] and attended Dunbar Vocational High School, from which she graduated in 1999.[14] She cites Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, and Patti LaBelle as her overall biggest influences and inspiration.[15] She has also credited Mariah Carey as being one of her musical "heroes".[16] At age 7 she got her start in performing by singing with the church choir and doing community theater with the help of her late maternal grandmother, Julia.[17] She enrolled at Langston University but she left after a semester due to homesickness and unhappiness with the weather, and registered at Kennedy–King College.[18]

In January 2002, Hudson signed her first recording contract with Righteous Records, a Chicago-based independent record label.[19] She was released from her five-year contract with Righteous Records so that she could appear on American Idol in 2004.

Career

2004–2005: American Idol

Hudson auditioned for the third season of American Idol in Atlanta. After commenting that she had been singing on Disney Cruise Lines (aboard the Disney Wonder) for the past few months as one of the Muses from Hercules, judge Randy Jackson told her, "We're expecting more than a cruise ship performance from you."[20] Hudson received the highest number of votes in the "Top 9" after her performance of Elton John's "Circle of Life" on April 6, 2004, but two weeks later, she was eliminated during the "Top 7" show after performing Barry Manilow's, "Weekend in New England".[21][22] In May 2009, MTV listed Hudson as the sixth greatest contestant in American Idol history and noted her exit was the most shocking of all time.[23] In May 2010, the Los Angeles Times claimed Hudson to be the third greatest Idol contestant in the history of the show, placing behind season one winner Kelly Clarkson and season four winner Carrie Underwood respectively.[24]

Performances

2006–2007: Dreamgirls and breakthrough

In one of her first appearances on a record, Hudson is featured in a duet, "The Future Ain't What It Used to Be", on Meat Loaf's Bat Out of Hell III: The Monster Is Loose. In September 2006, Hudson performed the song, "Over It", live on Fox Chicago Morning News. In the interview she stated the song would be included on her debut album, to be released in early 2007; however, this was before she was signed to a record label.[25] In November 2006, Hudson signed a record deal with Arista Records.[26] Hudson also recorded a song she co-wrote with Bill Grainer and Earl Powell called "Stand Up", which was available for preview on her fan website. The track was produced by Chicago natives Powell and Herman Little III, who also arranged the song.[27] The power-ballad would later become available on the deluxe edition of Hudson's self-titled album as a bonus track.

In November 2005, Hudson was cast in the role of Effie White for the film adaptation of the musical Dreamgirls, which also starred Jamie Foxx, Beyoncé Knowles and Eddie Murphy. The role marked Hudson's debut screen performance. She won the role over hundreds of professional singers and actresses, including Fantasia Barrino.[28] Filming of Dreamgirls began on January 9, 2006, and the film went into limited release on December 25, 2006, and national release on January 12, 2007. Hudson has won particular praise for her show-stopping onscreen rendition of the hit song, "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going", the signature song of the role, which had earlier been recorded, and had already reached the status of musical standard, because of the definitive performance of Jennifer Holliday. The New York Observer described Hudson's performance of the song as "five mellifluous, molto vibrato minutes that have suddenly catapulted Ms. Hudson... into the position of front-runner for the best supporting actress Oscar".[29] Newsweek said that when moviegoers hear Hudson sing the song, she, "is going to raise goose bumps across the land."[30] Variety magazine wrote that Hudson's performance "calls to mind debuts like Barbra Streisand in Funny Girl or Bette Midler in The Rose, with a voice like the young Aretha".[31] "Love You I Do" was nominated for the 2007 Academy Award for Best Original Song and won the 2008 Grammy Award for Best Song Written for a Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media.

Hudson in 2007

As Effie White, Hudson has garnered 29 awards from film critics as Best Supporting Actress and Breakthrough Performer of 2006. She won the Golden Globe Award as Best Actress in a Supporting Role. In addition, she has been named Best Supporting Actress by the Broadcast Film Critics Association and also by the Screen Actors Guild. After seeing Hudson's performance in Dreamgirls, Simon Cowell taped a congratulatory message to her, which aired on The Oprah Winfrey Show.[32] With the March 2007 issue, Jennifer Hudson became the third African-American celebrity and the first African-American singer to grace the cover of Vogue magazine.[33] On February 11, 2007, the 60th British Academy Film Awards were held in London, but Hudson was not there to accept her BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role. The BAFTA Award went missing and Hudson did not receive her award until April 22, 2011, when it was presented to her on the Graham Norton Show. On February 25, 2007, she won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the film.[citation needed] Later in 2007, the mayor of her home town, Chicago, Richard M. Daley, declared March 6 as "Jennifer Hudson Day".[34][35] She was invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on June 18, along with 115 other individuals for 2007.[36][37] Entertainment Weekly put her performance on its end-of-the-decade, "best-of" list, saying, "Sure, Beyoncé's performance was great. And Eddie Murphy's was impressive. But there was really only one reason we all rushed to see 2006's Dreamgirls: Jennifer Hudson's soul-to-the-rafters rendition of the classic 'And I'm Telling You I'm Not Going'. When she sang 'You're gonna love me,' it wasn't just a lyric — it was a fact."[38]

2008–2009: Jennifer Hudson album and films

In May 2008, Hudson appeared in the feature film Sex and the City as Louise, Carrie Bradshaw's assistant. Filming finished in December 2007 and the movie was released on May 30, 2008.[39] In October 2008, Hudson made her third film appearance in The Secret Life of Bees as Rosaleen, the mother figure of Lily Owens (Dakota Fanning). Also starring in the film are fellow Oscar nominees Queen Latifah and Sophie Okonedo, as well as Alicia Keys. The film opened on October 17, 2008, and grossed over $37 million at the box office. The film won two People's Choice Awards in January 2009 in the categories, Favorite Drama Movie and Favorite Independent Movie. The film also received nine Black Reel Awards nominations including three wins. Hudson was nominated for her performance in the film, but lost to Queen Latifah. The film also received eight nominations at the 2009 NAACP Image Awards, including a nomination for Hudson for her performance.

In 2009, Hudson starred as Kathy Archenault in Fragments, a film based on the novel by Roy Freirich, with Dakota Fanning and Forest Whitaker. It was released on DVD on August 4, 2009. In 2010, Hudson started filming the biopic film Winnie Mandela[40] based on the South African politician Winnie Mandela[40] starring alongside Terrence Howard and directed by Darrell J. Roodt.[41] Andre Pieterse and Roodt and Paul L. Johnson based the film's script on Anne Marie du Preez Bezdrob's biography, Winnie Mandela: A Life.[42] The Creative Workers Union of South Africa have opposed this choice, stating they will push for a moratorium on the film if the casting is not reversed.[43] Winnie Mandela has threatened legal action over this film, claiming she was not "consulted" about the film.[44] Winnie Mandela was originally scheduled to be released in December 2011; the trailer was released in 2010.[41] Image Entertainment released the film on September 6, 2013.[45][46]

In January 2008, Hudson returned to the studio to record new songs for her debut studio album. Her label was reportedly unhappy with the direction they were sending Hudson musically and decided it would be best to scrap the older songs and instead focus on new ones. Hudson worked with Ryan Tedder and Timbaland on a number of songs. Her debut single, "Spotlight" was released on June 10, 2008, and became Hudson's first top 40 hit peaking at number 24 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became a top 20 hit in the United Kingdom and Turkey. Her debut studio album, Jennifer Hudson, was released on September 30, 2008, on Arista and was written by Ne-Yo, who co-produced along with Stargate. Additional contributors on the album include Timbaland, Missy Elliott, Robin Thicke, Harvey Mason, Jr., Diane Warren, Earl Powell, and Christopher "Tricky" Stewart, among others.[47] The album debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 with 217,000 copies in the US and opened to positive reviews. As of August 2009, the album has sold 739,000 copies in the US, receiving a Gold certification for surpassing sales of 500,000. She has performed the song, "All Dressed in Love" for the Sex and the City soundtrack, which was released on May 27, 2008.[48] Hudson performed the national anthem at the 2008 Democratic National Convention.

The album's second single was to be released in October 2008, and was originally set to be "My Heart" before "If This Isn't Love" was chosen as the official second single. After three of her family members were brutally murdered, the single was rescheduled for a January 2009 release. However, in January 2009, her label decided to postpone the release of the second single once more, choosing a February 2009 release date. After the release of "If This Isn't Love", the single eventually peaked at number 63 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 37 on the UK Singles Chart. The third single was "Pocketbook" featuring Ludacris in April 2009, for a June 2009 release, despite speculation that the third single would be "My Heart" after it was canceled as the second single. In May 2009, "Pocketbook" was canceled as the third single due to negative reception from fans and critics alike. The third single was then rescheduled as "Giving Myself" and was released on June 2, 2009, to the US. Her debut album garnered Hudson three nominations at the 2009 Grammy Awards: Best Female R&B Vocal Performance for "Spotlight", Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals for "I'm His Only Woman" with Fantasia Barrino, and Best R&B Album for Jennifer Hudson. She won the last of these and performed at the awards ceremony.[49]

Jennifer Hudson's first public appearance after the murder of three family members, including her mother, sings the "National Anthem" at Super Bowl XLIII

In February 2009, Hudson made her first public appearance since the murders when she sang the Star-Spangled Banner at Super Bowl XLIII.[50][51][52] She toured the United States with Robin Thicke in 2009.[53] In early May 2009, Hudson suffered "throat fatigue" and had to reschedule her May 16–19, 2009, tour dates.[54] She sang "Will You Be There" at the Michael Jackson memorial service in July 2009.[55] Hudson recorded "Neither One of Us (Wants to Be the First to Say Goodbye)", originally by Gladys Knight & the Pips, for American Idol Season 3: Greatest Soul Classics — the official American Idol album for the third season. She is featured on Ne-Yo's second album, Because of You, on the track, "Leaving Tonight". Hudson performed a Christmas special in December 2009 called Jennifer Hudson: I'll Be Home for Christmas. During the special, she relived her childhood Christmases with musical performances filmed at her favorite locations in her native Chicago. Hudson also visited family members, friends and other childhood influences during the broadcast.[56] On January 22, 2010, Hudson appeared on the telethon "Hope for Haiti Now: A Global Benefit for Earthquake Relief", performing the Beatles' "Let it Be". The telecast generated $61 million in donations as of January 26, 2010.[57] Also, that year, Hudson recorded the song "One Shining Moment" for the 2010 NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament.

2010–2012: Weight Watchers and I Remember Me

Hudson at the 83rd Academy Awards in 2011

In 2010, Hudson became the spokesperson for Weight Watchers.[58][59] That year, she had lost 56 pounds (25 kg) and "[did] not want to lose any more weight."[60] However, on February 10, 2011, she appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show and revealed she had lost a total of 80 pounds.[61] Her 2012 autobiography, I Got This: How I Changed My Ways and Lost What Weighed Me Down, detailed her weight loss.[62][63][64]

Early in the album I Remember Me's development, Ne-Yo told E! Online that Hudson was ready to get personal on her second studio album and that he might be producing the album. He said "She's gone through a lot over the last year, so she has a lot to talk about", he continues. "She's definitely gotten stronger. The things that she's gone through and for her to still be upbeat and happy, it's amazing."[65] Hudson released her second studio album I Remember Me on March 22, 2011. It debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 selling 165,000 copies in its first week of release.[66]

Hudson in 2012

On January 24, 2011, Hudson premiered the album's lead single "Where You At".[67] It was written by R. Kelly and produced by Harvey Mason, Jr.[68] The song went for radio adds that same week.[69] On February 3, 2011, due to radio adds the single made its debut on the US Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart at number 53,[70][clarification needed] having so far reached a peak of number 10.[71] The music video premiered on BET's 106 & Park and through Vevo in February 2011.[72][73] "No One Gonna Love You" impacted on Urban adult contemporary radio in the United States in May 2011. A remix bundle, "No One Gonna Love You-The Remixes", was released as a digital download in the US and the UK in July 2011.[74][75][76] The song has reached number 23 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs.[77] The third US single will be "I Got This".[78] The non-single track "Don't Look Down" reached number 70 on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.[79]

2013–2014: JHUD

Hudson played a nun in the Farrelly brothers film The Three Stooges (2012).[80] The day after the death of Whitney Houston, Hudson paid tribute to her by singing Houston's "I Will Always Love You" during the 54th Grammy Awards held on February 12, 2012, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California.[81] Hudson guest-starred for a multi-episode arc on the second season of Smash.[82] She sang "America the Beautiful" with the Sandy Hook Elementary School chorus at Super Bowl XLVII.[83] Hudson sang at the 85th Academy Awards in a tribute to musical films.[84] She performed "Same Love" with Macklemore, Ryan Lewis, and Mary Lambert at the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards.[85]

Hudson at the Commander in Chief's Ball at the Washington Convention Center in 2013

On September 21, 2013, a new single from Hudson's forthcoming third studio album was released via her website. The 70s stylized uptempo ballad, "I Can't Describe (The Way I Feel)", features T.I. with production by Pharrell, she performed this song alongside Chaka Khan, Evelyn Champagne King, and T.I. at the 2013 Soul Train Awards.[86] In October 2013, Hudson starred in the coming of age drama The Inevitable Defeat of Mister & Pete alongside Jordin Sparks as well as the drama/musical Black Nativity. Furthermore, she appears alongside Amy Adams in the drama Lullaby. On November 13, 2013, Hudson was awarded with the 2,512th star of the Hollywood Walk of Fame.[3]

Hudson's third studio album, JHUD, was released on September 23, 2014. Hudson described the album as more "upbeat" than her previous material. She worked with Timbaland, Pharrell Williams, RedOne, Iggy Azalea and R. Kelly among others. RedOne said about the material: "It's not dance dance, but it's soulful dance. It's very '70s kinda style".[87] Hudson stated: "What we're doing feels so right that I never want to go home (from the studio). My sister and my manager will be sleeping on the couch while we work until 4 or 5am".[88]

Hudson confirmed that a song on the album will be "It's Your World" and features R. Kelly, in an interview with Jonathan Ross on The Jonathan Ross Show. The track went on to be nominated for Best R&B Vocal Performance at the 2015 Grammy Awards. On June 20, she released the music video for "Walk it Out" featuring Timbaland, which is the first single off her upcoming album. Her third album, JHUD, would include "different expressions of [Hudson] as an artist, a girl, [and] a music lover".[89]

2015–2016: The Color Purple, Hairspray Live, and Sing

At the 87th Academy Awards, Hudson performed her song (originally from NBC's Smash) "I Can't Let Go" by Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman as a tribute to the individuals Hollywood lost in the previous year.[90]

In February 2015, Jennifer together with her previous collaborator Iggy Azalea released "Trouble". It’s their second collaboration after Iggy was featured on her JHUD album on "He Ain't Goin' Nowhere". On Radio Disney, Iggy revealed that the collaboration happened after their previous work, she liked her voice and wanted Jennifer to sing the hook for it. They performed the song together for the first time on February 4, 2015 on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, following performances on Clive Davis and The Recording Academy's annual pre-Grammy Gala, 2015 Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards, 2015 iHeartRadio Music Awards and on American Idol season 14. The accompanied music video was released on Iggy’s YouTube channel on 27 February, 2015 and as of 2024 it gained 112 million views, making it Jennifer’s first 100 million and most viewed video on that platform. "Trouble" appeared on Iggy’s Reclassified album.[91][92]

Later in 2015, Hudson guest-starred as Michelle White, a minor semi-recurring character in the first season of Empire. She sang three songs on the show, "Remember the Music", "Whatever Makes You Happy", and "For My God".

Hudson helped welcome Pope Francis on his first visit to the United States by singing her rendition of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah".[93]

In fall 2015, Hudson made her Broadway debut as Shug Avery in the Broadway revival of The Color Purple, alongside Cynthia Erivo and Danielle Brooks. New York Times critic Ben Brantley hailed her performance saying, "Ms. Hudson radiates a lush, supple stage presence that is echoed by her velvet voice."[94] Hudson later picked up her second career Grammy for Best Musical Theater Album (2017) for her work on The Color Purple."[95]

In June 2016, Hudson performed Prince's "Purple Rain", on the BET Awards, which she had previously sung onstage with the cast of The Color Purple,[96] the day Prince died.[97]

On June 28, 2016, Hudson signed with Epic Records. L.A. Reid and Clive Davis are joining forces for the first time since Whitney Houston's The Bodyguard soundtrack 25 years ago. "Jennifer Hudson is the defining voice of this generation", said Reid. "Her award-winning presence on records, in film and on stage establishes her as one of the premiere artists to emerge in this century." Davis says: "I signed Jennifer in 2007 believing her to be the strongest candidate as the next generation's Aretha Franklin and Whitney. She has become that, as LA and I excitingly reunite to capture Jennifer at her all-time best."[98]

Meanwhile, Hudson picked up a few minor film roles, including in Spike Lee's musical Chi-Raq, and HBO's Confirmation, alongside Kerry Washington.

In December 2016, Hudson played scene-stealer Motormouth Maybelle in NBC's Hairspray Live!. Her version of the Civil Rights-themed ballad "I Know Where I've Been", blew audiences away, garnering Emmy buzz from fans and critics alike.[99] During the credit sequence, Hudson duets with costar Ariana Grande on Shaiman and Wittman's "Come So Far".

Hudson lent her voice to the younger version of the character Nana Noodleman in the Illumination Entertainment film, Sing, which was released December 21, 2016. In the film, she sang The Beatles' classic, "Golden Slumbers/Carry That Weight", which was the recurring musical theme of the film. On the deluxe soundtrack, Hudson sings with Tori Kelly on a duet version of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah".[100]

2017–2020: Sandy Wexler, The Voice, Cats, and new music

Hudson starred as singer Courtney Clarke in the film, Sandy Wexler, which premiered in April 2017.[101] In early 2017, Hudson debuted in The Voice franchise as a coach on the sixth season of The Voice UK.[102] She won the season with her act Mo Adeniran and became the first female coach to win the show. Hudson had joined the American version of The Voice as a coach for its thirteenth season.[103]

Hudson released "Remember Me" on March 3, 2017. On December 12, 2017, she released another new song, "Burden Down". The same day, Hudson performed "Remember Me" live for the first time on the semi-final result night of The Voice. Later, a music video for the single was also released.[104]

Hudson returned for her second series as a coach to The Voice UK; her second series premiered on January 6, 2018, and concluded on April 7, where Hudson's finalist Belle Voci finished third. On January 27, 2018, Clive Davis disclosed that Hudson had been handpicked by Aretha Franklin to portray her in an eventual biopic with a prospective release date in 2021.[105]

Jennifer Hudson performed with the D.C. Choir at the March for Our Lives anti-gun violence rally in Washington, D.C., on March 24, 2018.[106][107] Hudson returned as a coach for the fifteenth season of the American version of The Voice after taking a one-season hiatus.[108] Her final act, Kennedy Holmes, finished in fourth place overall. Hudson returned for The Voice UK's eighth series.[109] In 2018, Hudson was cast as the Cats character Grizabella in the film adaptation, which was released in 2019.[110]

In March 2020, Hudson collaborated with Bono, Will.i.am, and Yoshiki to create "#SING4LIFE", a song written and compiled remotely by the four musicians to lift spirits during the COVID-19 crisis.[111]

2021–present: Respect, EGOT, talk show, The Gift of Love

On July 20, 2021, Hudson was interviewed by Oprah Winfrey about her role as Aretha Franklin in the film, Respect.[112] The Aretha Franklin bio-pic, Respect, was directed by Liesl Tommy and was released in August 2021.[113] Hudson's performance earned her the Chairman's Award at the Palm Springs International Film Festival as well as a nomination for the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Leading Role.[114][115] The film was accompanied by a soundtrack sung entirely by Hudson featuring covers of several of Franklin's songs with one original song for Hudson, "Here I Am (Singing My Way Home)", being released as the soundtracks lead single in June 2021.[116] The song earned Hudson nominations for the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song and the Grammy Award for Best Song Written for Visual Media.[117][118] The film's soundtrack received a nomination for the Grammy Award for Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media.[119]

On August 19, 2021, Hudson performed a show at the Apollo Theater called Jennifer Hudson - Live at the Apollo: A Night of Soul.[120]

On August 21, Hudson performed "Nessun Dorma" at We Love NYC: The Homecoming Concert backed by New York Philharmonic in Central Park.[121]

In September 2021, Hudson won a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Interactive Media for a Daytime Program for being an executive producer for Baba Yaga, a 27-minute interactive fairytale story made for Oculus Quest.[122]

In February 2022, Jennifer Hudson was one of the night's major winners at the 2022 NAACP Image Awards. She won the Entertainer of the Year and Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture for her portrayal of Aretha Franklin in the film Respect.[123] In May 2022, Hudson received a nomination for the Tony Award for Best Musical for serving as a producer for the Broadway musical, A Strange Loop.[124] On June 12, 2022, Hudson became one of seventeen people to have won an Oscar, an Emmy, a Grammy, and a Tony ("an EGOT") at the 75th Tony Awards.[125] She appeared in the 2022 film Tell It Like a Woman and will also star in the upcoming film Breathe.[126][127]

Hudson's syndicated talk show, The Jennifer Hudson Show, launched on September 12, 2022.[128] On October 18, 2024, Hudson released her first Christmas album, The Gift of Love and embraced The Gift of Love: An Intimate Live Experience, a tour in the United State.[129][130]

Personal life

Hudson began dating James Payton in 1999, when she was 18.[131] They separated in late 2007. Hudson met David Otunga, a professional wrestler in the WWE and a Harvard Law graduate,[132] and the couple became engaged in September 2008.[133] In August 2009, Hudson gave birth to her first child, her son David Daniel Otunga, Jr.[134] In November 2017, Hudson and Otunga had split.[135][136]

On October 24, 2008, Hudson's 57-year-old mother Darnell Donerson and 29-year-old brother Jason were found shot to death inside the Chicago home Donerson shared with Hudson's older sister, Julia.[137] An AMBER Alert was issued for her 7-year-old nephew, Julian King, when Julia reported him missing.[138][139] Three days later the Federal Bureau of Investigation confirmed a body found on Chicago's West Side was the nephew; an autopsy indicated he had died from "multiple gunshot wounds".[140] Police charged William Balfour, Julia's estranged 27-year-old husband, with three counts of first-degree murder and one count of home invasion.[141] Convicted on all seven counts against him,[142] in July 2012, he was sentenced to three life sentences without the possibility of parole (to be served consecutively), followed by an additional 120 years for his other convictions.[143][144] Hudson's family created The Hudson-King Foundation for Families of Slain Victims, in honor of the three victims.[145] Hudson and her sister created the Julian D. King Gift Foundation in honor of her nephew. It provides Christmas presents and school supplies to families in need in the Chicago area.[146]

Hudson has been described as a friend of former President Barack Obama, who invited her to appear with him at a fundraiser in Beverly Hills during his first term in May 2009.[147] She also performed at the White House at the "Celebration of Music from the Civil Rights Movement" event.[148]

As of 2011, Hudson resides in Burr Ridge, Illinois, a western suburb of Chicago.[149]

Hudson does not drink alcohol.[150]

In 2022, while working together on their film Breathe, Hudson began dating fellow Chicago native, rapper and actor, Common. The pair confirmed their relationship with an appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show in January 2024. When discussing their romance, Common stated "I'm in a relationship that is with one of the most beautiful people I've met in life," he admitted. "She's smart, she loves God, she has something real down to earth about her. She's talented."[151]

Acting credits

Film

Year Title Role Notes
2006 Dreamgirls Effie White
2007 Elmo's Christmas Countdown Herself TV movie
2008 Sex and the City Louise
Winged Creatures Kathy Archenault
The Secret Life of Bees Rosaleen Daise
2011 Winnie Mandela Winnie Mandela
2012 The Three Stooges Sister Rosemary
2013 The Inevitable Defeat of Mister & Pete Gloria
Call Me Crazy: A Five Film Maggie TV movie
Black Nativity Naima Cobbs
2014 Lullaby Nurse Carrie
2015 Chi-Raq Irene
2016 Confirmation Angela Wright TV movie
Sing Young Nana Noodleman (voice)
Hairspray Live! Motormouth Maybelle TV movie
2017 Sandy Wexler Courtney Clarke
2018 Monster Mrs. Harmon
2019 Cats Grizabella
2020 Baba Yaga Forest (voice) Short
2021 Respect Aretha Franklin
2022 Tell It Like a Woman Kim Carter/Pepcy
2024 Breathe Maya [152]

Television

Year Title Role Notes
2004 American Idol Herself Contestant: Season 3
E! True Hollywood Story Herself Episode: "American Idol"
2010 Luxury Unveiled Herself Episode: "Tiffany & Co."
2011 The Hot 10 Herself Episode: "Episode #1.5"
Dancing with the Stars Herself Episode: "Episode #11.3"
The X Factor Herself/Judges' Expert Episode: "Judges' Houses 1 & 2"
The Xtra Factor Herself Episode: "Episode #8.10" & "#8.11"
2012 Project Runway Herself/Guest Judge Episode: "Finale Part II"
Smash Veronica Moore Recurring Cast: Season 2
2015 Empire Michelle White Recurring Cast: Season 1
2016 Inside Amy Schumer Herself Episode: "Brave"
2017 Ant and Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway Herself Episode: "Episode #14.1" & "#14.2"
Sunday Night at the Palladium Herself Episode: "Episode #4.2"
2017–19 The Voice UK Herself/Coach Main Coach: Seasons 6–8
The Voice U.S. Herself/Coach Main Coach: Season 13 & 15
2018 Murder in the Family Herself Episode: "Jennifer Hudson"
2019 Saturday Mash-Up! Herself Episode: "Jack and Jack"
Live in Front of a Studio Audience Herself Episode: "Norman Lear's All in the Family and The Jeffersons"
2021 The Black Church: This Is Our Story, This Is Our Song Herself Episode: "Episode #1.1"
2022– The Jennifer Hudson Show Herself/Host Main Host
2023 Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur Mane (voice) Episode: "Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow"

Theatre

Year Title Role Venue Ref.
2004 Hair Performer New Amsterdam Theatre, Broadway [153]
2006 The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas Jewell August Wilson Theatre, Broadway [154]
2015 The Color Purple Shug Avery Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre, Broadway [155]
2022 A Strange Loop Co-Producer only Lyceum Theatre, Broadway [156]

Discography

Awards and nominations

References

  1. ^ Iannotti, Lauren. "Jennifer Hudson's Got This". realsimple.com. Dotdash Meredith. Retrieved March 5, 2024.
  2. ^ "With the Tony-winning 'A Strange Loop,' Jennifer Hudson becomes an EGOT recipient". Los Angeles Times. June 13, 2022. Retrieved June 13, 2022.
  3. ^ a b Toomey, Alyssa (November 13, 2013). "Jennifer Hudson Honored With Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame—Take a Look!". E! Online. Retrieved September 24, 2017.
  4. ^ "Jennifer Hudson: The 100 Most Influential People of 2020". Time. Retrieved December 10, 2020.
  5. ^ "Jennifer Hudson Joins U.K. Version of 'The Voice' as Coach". Variety. September 29, 2016. Retrieved September 24, 2017.
  6. ^ "Monitor". Entertainment Weekly. No. 1276. September 13, 2013. p. 28.
  7. ^ "Person: Jennifer Hudson: Biography". Allmovie. Retrieved September 24, 2017.
  8. ^ "Social Security Death Index". Ssdi.rootsweb.ancestry.com. July 15, 2010. Archived from the original on September 24, 2017. Retrieved September 24, 2017.
  9. ^ Hoekstra, Dave (December 16, 2006). "Living the dream". Chicago Sun-Times. Archived from the original on February 4, 2009. Retrieved July 8, 2009.
  10. ^ "Yahoo Biography". Yahoo!. Archived from the original on June 28, 2011. Retrieved March 10, 2011.
  11. ^ Brockes, Emma (November 30, 2019). "Jennifer Hudson: 'How do you be a cat? I sat with that for ever'". The Guardian. Retrieved April 1, 2024.
  12. ^ "For Oscar nominee Jennifer Hudson, all roads lead back to church: 'I don't do clubs'". International Herald Tribute. The Associated Press. February 20, 2007. Retrieved September 13, 2008.
  13. ^ "Jennifer Hudson 1981–". Biography Today. 17 (1): 50. 2007. ISSN 1058-2347.
  14. ^ Colander, Pat (October 15, 2015). "TRUE CRIME: Academy-Award winner Jennifer Hudson was Cinderella, until she wasn't". nwitimes.com. Retrieved December 11, 2021.
  15. ^ World Entertainment News Network (February 7, 2008). "Dreamgirls Star Hudson Dreams Of Houston Duet". Female First. Retrieved September 24, 2017.
  16. ^ "Mariah Carey Is Here and the Coaches are Losing Their Minds – The Voice 2018 (Digital Exclusive)". YouTube. October 25, 2018. Archived from the original on October 28, 2021.
  17. ^ Biography Today, p. 50.
  18. ^ Biography Today, p. 51.
  19. ^ Colander, Pat. "True Crime: Academy-Award winner Jennifer Hudson was Cinderella, until she wasn't". Nwitimes.com. Retrieved December 19, 2017.
  20. ^ Hudson, Jennifer (2012). I Got This: How I Changed My Ways and Lost What Weighed Me Down. Penguin. ISBN 9781101565780.
  21. ^ "'Idol' Jennifer Hudson Says She Was Robbed". MTV. April 23, 2004. Archived from the original on October 30, 2014. Retrieved September 24, 2017.
  22. ^ Silverman, Stephen M. (November 8, 2008). "Jennifer Hudson Moves to 'Better Place'". People. Retrieved September 24, 2017.
  23. ^ May 21, 2009, The 10 Greatest 'American Idol' Contestants Of All Time: Latest champ Kris Allen didn't make our list, but you might be surprised by who did. James Montgomery, MTV. [1]
  24. ^ Shirley Halperin (May 31, 2010). "The ultimate 'American Idol' power ranking: 120 contestants on, Kelly Clarkson still reigns supreme". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on March 11, 2011. Retrieved March 10, 2011.
  25. ^ "Jennifer Hudson sings 'Over It'". YouTube. September 7, 2005. Archived from the original on December 7, 2013. Retrieved July 9, 2006.
  26. ^ "Jennifer Hudson signs with Clive Davis". MSNBC. November 21, 2006. Retrieved September 24, 2017.
  27. ^ "Jennifer Hudson – Jennifer Hudson (CD, Album) at Discogs". Discogs. Retrieved September 24, 2017.
  28. ^ Susan Wloszczyna (November 16, 2005). "'Idol' finalist Hudson lands lead in 'Dreamgirls' film". USA Today. Retrieved September 24, 2017.
  29. ^ Sara Vilkomerson (December 3, 2006). "Dreamgirls Wakes Up". The New York Observer. Retrieved September 24, 2017.
  30. ^ "Hudson steals 'Dreamgirls,' flirts with Oscar". Reuters. December 11, 2006. Retrieved September 24, 2017.
  31. ^ Michael Pollan (December 22, 2006). "The Best of 2006: Jennifer Hudson's rendition of "And I Am Telling You"". Culturekitchen.com. Retrieved November 9, 2008. [dead link]
  32. ^ Ruben V. Nepales (January 17, 2007). "Golden Globe winners have ties, memories of RP". Global Nation. Archived from the original on October 12, 2007. Retrieved September 11, 2007.
  33. ^ WENN (February 13, 2007). "Hudson Makes History with 'Vogue' Cover". Hollywood. Retrieved September 11, 2007.
  34. ^ "In brief: Chicago celebrates Jennifer Hudson Day". The Guardian. London. March 7, 2007. Retrieved September 24, 2017.
  35. ^ "City honours actress with own day". BBC News. March 7, 2007. Retrieved September 24, 2017.
  36. ^ "Film Academy Invites 115 New Members". ABC7. Associated Press. June 19, 2007. Archived from the original on February 21, 2008. Retrieved September 13, 2008.
  37. ^ Leslie Unger (June 18, 2007). "Academy Invites 115 to Become Members". Oscars. Archived from the original on December 24, 2007. Retrieved September 13, 2008.
  38. ^ Geier, Thom; Jensen, Jeff; Jordan, Tina; Lyons, Margaret; Markovitz, Adam; Nashawaty, Chris; Pastorek, Whitney; Rice, Lynette; Rottenberg, Josh; Schwartz, Missy; Slezak, Michael; Snierson, Dan; Stack, Tim; Stroup, Kate; Tucker, Ken; Vary, Adam B.; Vozick-Levinson, Simon; Ward, Kate (December 11, 2009), "THE 100 Greatest MOVIES, TV SHOWS, ALBUMS, BOOKS, CHARACTERS, SCENES, EPISODES, SONGS, DRESSES, MUSIC VIDEOS, AND TRENDS THAT ENTERTAINED US OVER THE PAST 10 YEARS". Entertainment Weekly. (1079/1080):74-84.
  39. ^ Leslie Simmons (September 11, 2007). "Hudson moves to 'Sex and the City' movie". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved September 24, 2017.
  40. ^ a b "Winnie – Jennifer Hudson and Terrence Howard". Myweku.com. November 18, 2010. Archived from the original on January 29, 2013. Retrieved March 10, 2011.
  41. ^ a b "Jennifer Hudson Interview on Winnie, Weight Loss, New Album, More". The Daily Beast. archive.is. February 20, 2011. Archived from the original on February 22, 2011. Retrieved September 24, 2017.
  42. ^ Fleming, Michael (November 17, 2009). "Jennifer Hudson to star in 'Winnie'". Variety. Retrieved September 24, 2017.
  43. ^ "South African actors 'want Hudson out of Mandela film'". ABC. December 7, 2009. Retrieved September 24, 2017.
  44. ^ Berger, Sebastien (January 26, 2010). "Winnie Mandela threatens legal action over film". The Daily Telegraph. UK. Archived from the original on January 11, 2022. Retrieved September 24, 2017.
  45. ^ Josh Grossberg. "Jennifer Hudson's Winnie Mandela Trailer Hits the Web—Watch!". Retrieved September 24, 2017.
  46. ^ "Winnie Mandela @ ComingSoon.net". Comingsoon.net. Archived from the original on December 11, 2013. Retrieved September 24, 2017.
  47. ^ Jonathan Cohen (May 19, 2008). "Debut Jennifer Hudson Album Due In September". Billboard. Retrieved September 24, 2017.
  48. ^ Wilson Morales (May 7, 2008). "Sex and the City: The Movie". Black Film. Retrieved September 24, 2017.
  49. ^ John Bracchitta (January 19, 2009). "Carrie Underwood and Jennifer Hudson to perform at Grammy Awards". Retrieved September 24, 2017.
  50. ^ "Jennifer Hudson Wasn't Singing". inmusic.ca. Retrieved August 7, 2009. [dead link]
  51. ^ "Hudson's Emotional Return". Yahoo! Music. February 1, 2009. Archived from the original on February 5, 2009. Retrieved February 1, 2009.
  52. ^ "Jennifer Hudson to Sing National Anthem at Super Bowl". People. January 14, 2009. Retrieved September 24, 2017.
  53. ^ "Hudson performs for first time since Oct slayings". Apnews.myway.com. Retrieved September 24, 2017.
  54. ^ "Jennifer Hudson Takes Throat Forced Break From Tour, Postpones Final Dates". Singersroom.com. May 5, 2009. Retrieved September 24, 2017.
  55. ^ Powers, Ann; Martens, Todd (July 7, 2009). "Michael Jackson memorial: Jennifer Hudson sings 'Will You Be There'". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved September 24, 2017.
  56. ^ Joyce Eng (October 7, 2009). "Jennifer Hudson Locks in Christmas Special". TV Guide. Retrieved September 24, 2017.
  57. ^ "Hope For Haiti's Total Now At $61 Million – And Counting". Multichannel News. January 26, 2010. Archived from the original on June 16, 2011.
  58. ^ Michelle Tan (April 1, 2010). "Jennifer Hudson Is the New Face–and Body!–of Weight Watchers". People. Archived from the original on March 6, 2016. Retrieved September 24, 2017.
  59. ^ "Jennifer Hudson: New face of Weight Watchers". CNN. April 1, 2010. Archived from the original on April 8, 2010.
  60. ^ "Jennifer Hudson Instyle Confession – Size 16 to 6 and Lost 56 Pounds". National Ledger. August 4, 2010. Archived from the original on September 6, 2012. Retrieved September 24, 2017.
  61. ^ "Jennifer Hudson's Incredible Weight Loss". Oprah.com. February 10, 2011. Retrieved September 24, 2017.
  62. ^ Swerdlick, David (December 21, 2011). "I Got This: Jennifer Hudson's Latest Book". Theroot.com. Archived from the original on April 6, 2012. Retrieved April 9, 2012.
  63. ^ Arceneaux, Michael (June 7, 2011). "Jennifer Hudson Lands Book Deal". BET. Retrieved September 24, 2017.
  64. ^ I Got This: How I Changed My Ways and Lost What Weighed Me Down, Jennifer Hudson. New York: Dutton (2012) ISBN 978-0525952770
  65. ^ "Who Wants a Whitney & Jennifer Hudson Duet?". E! Online. September 18, 2009. Retrieved September 24, 2017.
  66. ^ Brian Mansfield (March 30, 2011). "Chris Brown, Jennifer Hudson debut in The Billboard 200's two top spots". USA Today. Content.usatoday.com. Retrieved September 24, 2017.
  67. ^ Review Archived March 1, 2011, at the Wayback Machine
  68. ^ "Snippet". Rap-Up.com. Retrieved September 24, 2017.
  69. ^ "Top Hip-Hop and R&B Songs & Singles Charts". Billboard (in French). Retrieved September 24, 2017.
  70. ^ "Top Hip-Hop and R&B Songs & Singles Charts". Billboard. Retrieved September 24, 2017.
  71. ^ Hudson's chart history at Billboard.com
  72. ^ "FIRST LOOK: Jennifer Hudson's "Where You At" Video + "Ellen"". Rodonline.typepad.com. February 18, 2011. Retrieved September 24, 2017.
  73. ^ "First Look at Jennifer Hudson's "Where You At" Video". Rap-Up.com. February 17, 2011. Retrieved September 24, 2017.
  74. ^ "iTunes – Music – No One Gonna Love You (Remixes) by Jennifer Hudson". Itunes.apple.com. July 13, 2011. Retrieved September 24, 2017.
  75. ^ "No One Gonna Love You (Jason Nevins Extended Remix): Jennifer Hudson: Amazon.co.uk: MP3 Downloads". Amazon.co.uk. Retrieved September 24, 2017.
  76. ^ "Jennifer Hudson confirms new single 'No One Gonna Love You' – Music News". Digital Spy. June 23, 2011. Retrieved September 24, 2017.
  77. ^ "Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs – Week of June 16, 2011". Billboard. Retrieved September 24, 2017.
  78. ^ "Jennifer Hudson's Next Single Will Be... - ..::That Grape Juice // ThatGrapeJuice.net::.. -- Thirsty?". Thatgrapejuice.net. September 21, 2011. Retrieved September 24, 2017.
  79. ^ "Jennifer Hudson Music News & Info". Billboard. July 5, 2011. Retrieved September 24, 2017.
  80. ^ McClintock, Pamela (June 1, 2011). "Jennifer Hudson Cast as a Nun in 'Three Stooges'". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved September 24, 2017.
  81. ^ Kia Makarechi (February 14, 2012). "Jennifer Hudson's Whitney Houston Grammy Tribute, "I Will Always Love You"". HuffPost. Retrieved September 24, 2017.
  82. ^ "Jennifer Hudson joins NBC's 'Smash'". Entertainment Weekly. June 22, 2012. Retrieved September 24, 2017.
  83. ^ "Update: Jennifer Hudson to sing with Sandy Hook chorus". Entertainment Weekly. Associated Press. January 31, 2013. Archived from the original on October 26, 2014. Retrieved September 24, 2017.
  84. ^ Samantha Highfill (February 20, 2013). "Jennifer Hudson, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and 'Les Mis' cast to sing at Oscars". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved September 24, 2017.
  85. ^ "Macklemore VMA Performance: Macklemore & Ryan Lewis Play 'Same Love' At Barclays". HuffPost. August 25, 2013. Retrieved September 24, 2017.
  86. ^ "Jennifer Hudson's 'I Can't Describe (The Way I Feel)'". HuffPost. September 22, 2013. Retrieved September 24, 2017.
  87. ^ "Rap-Up TV: RedOne Talks Jennifer Lopez, Lady Gaga, and Jennifer Hudson". Rap-Up.com. May 27, 2013. Retrieved September 24, 2017.
  88. ^ "Jennifer Hudson Stuns In 'Angeleno' / Dishes On New Album - ..::That Grape Juice // ThatGrapeJuice.net::.. -- Thirsty?". Thatgrapejuice.net. August 28, 2013. Retrieved September 24, 2017.
  89. ^ Lopez, Korina (July 3, 2014). "Ready for the title of Jennifer Hudson's album? 'JHUD'". USA Today. Retrieved September 24, 2017.
  90. ^ "Oscars 2015: Jennifer Hudson Performs 'I Can't Let Go' for In Memoriam". Billboard. February 23, 2015. Retrieved October 2, 2018.
  91. ^ "Iggy Azalea & Jennifer Hudson's "Trouble" Video: Iggy Gets Caught With a Bad Boy". The Hollywood Reporter. February 27, 2015. Retrieved September 25, 2024.
  92. ^ "Jennifer Hudson: Iggy Azalea 'Inspired My Creativity'". Billboard. Retrieved September 25, 2024.
  93. ^ "Jennifer Hudson, Gloria Estefan, Harry Connick Jr. & More Welcome Pope in NYC: Watch". Billboard. Retrieved October 2, 2018.
  94. ^ Brantley, Ben (December 11, 2015). "Review: 'The Color Purple' on Broadway, Stripped to Its Essence". The New York Times. Retrieved October 2, 2018.
  95. ^ "The Color Purple Cast Album Wins the Grammy - Playbill". Playbill.com. February 12, 2017. Retrieved October 2, 2018.
  96. ^ The Color Purple (April 21, 2016). "A Tribute to Prince from the cast of The Color Purple - THE COLOR PURPLE on Broadway". YouTube. Archived from the original on October 28, 2021. Retrieved October 2, 2018.
  97. ^ "Jennifer Hudson, Sheila E., Stevie Wonder, Janelle Monée and More Honor Prince with Stunning BET Awards Tributes". People. Retrieved October 2, 2018.
  98. ^ "Jennifer Hudson Signs With Epic Records". Billboard. June 28, 2016. Retrieved October 2, 2018.
  99. ^ "Watch: Jennifer Hudson dominates 'Hairspray Live!' with one powerful number". USA Today. Retrieved October 2, 2018.
  100. ^ "Amazon.com: Sing (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack / Deluxe): Various artists: MP3 Downloads". Amazon. December 22, 2016. Archived from the original on December 22, 2016. Retrieved October 11, 2019.
  101. ^ Debruge, Peter (April 15, 2017). "Film Review: Adam Sandler's 'Sandy Wexler'". Variety. Retrieved October 2, 2018.
  102. ^ Darvill, Josh (December 29, 2016). "The Voice UK 2017 coaches CONFIRMED! Sir Tom Jones is back and Jennifer Hudson joins". TellyMix. Archived from the original on July 13, 2018. Retrieved September 29, 2016.
  103. ^ Evans, Greg (May 10, 2017). "Jennifer Hudson Boards NBC's 'The Voice' As Season 13 Coach". Deadline. Retrieved October 2, 2018.
  104. ^ "Burden Down - Single by Jennifer Hudson". Itunes.apple.com. December 12, 2017. Retrieved October 2, 2018.
  105. ^ Kreps, Daniel (January 28, 2018). "Jennifer Hudson to Portray Aretha Franklin in Biopic". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on June 30, 2018. Retrieved February 11, 2018.
  106. ^ CBS Miami. "Jennifer Hudson, D.C. Choir Perform At March For Our Lives". (March 24, 2018).
  107. ^ C-SPAN. "March for Our Lives Rally". (March 24, 2018).
  108. ^ Pedersen, Erik (May 11, 2018). "'The Voice': Kelly Clarkson & Jennifer Hudson Returning As Coaches For Season 15". Deadline. Retrieved May 18, 2018.
  109. ^ "Jennifer Hudson, will.i.am, Olly Murs, and Sir Tom Jones return as coaches on The Voice UK". Channel24. January 1, 2019. Retrieved January 1, 2019.
  110. ^ "Jennifer Hudson Joins CATS Film Adaptation as Grizabella; Ian McKellen, Taylor Swift, and James Corden In Talks". Broadway World. July 19, 2018. Retrieved July 19, 2018.
  111. ^ "Bono, Will.I.Am, Jennifer Hudson & Yoshiki Collab on "Sing For Life"". Billboard. March 24, 2020. Retrieved May 12, 2020.
  112. ^ "WATCH: Oprah Winfrey sits down with Jennifer Hudson to talk about new film". jacarandafm. August 3, 2021. Retrieved August 23, 2021.
  113. ^ McNary, Dave (January 10, 2019). "Liesl Tommy to Direct Aretha Franklin Biopic 'Respect'". Variety. Retrieved January 21, 2019.
  114. ^ Welk, Brian (November 22, 2021). "Jennifer Hudson to Receive Chairman's Award at Palm Springs Film Festival". The Wrap. Retrieved February 3, 2022.
  115. ^ SAG Awards Nominations: 'House Of Gucci', 'Power Of The Dog', 'Succession', 'Ted Lasso' Top Lists Deadline Hollywood, January 12, 2022
  116. ^ McCollum, Brian. "Get a first look at never-before-seen photos of Jennifer Hudson as Aretha Franklin in 'Respect' biopic". USA Today. Retrieved June 30, 2020.
  117. ^ Golden Globes 2022: The Complete Nominations List Variety, December 13, 2021
  118. ^ "2022 GRAMMYs Awards: Complete Nominations List". GRAMMY.com. November 23, 2021. Retrieved June 14, 2022.
  119. ^ 2022 Nominations List Retrieved June 14, 2022
  120. ^ "Jennifer Hudson Performs at the Apollo Theater, NY! Presented by MASTERCARD!". la-story. August 20, 2021. Retrieved August 23, 2021.
  121. ^ "Watch Jennifer Hudson Perform 'Nessun Dorma' at NYC 'Homecoming' Concert". rollingstone. August 21, 2021. Retrieved August 23, 2021.
  122. ^ Lash, Jolie (September 9, 2021). "Jennifer Hudson's a Tony away from an EGOT with new Emmy — and she's already got the ring for it". ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY. Retrieved September 11, 2021.
  123. ^ "NAACP Image Awards 2022: See who won". CNN. February 27, 2022. p. 1. Retrieved March 1, 2022.
  124. ^ Strause, Jackie (May 9, 2022). "Jennifer Hudson Is One Step Closer to EGOT Status After Tony Nomination". THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER. Retrieved May 9, 2022.
  125. ^ Nordyke, Kimberly (June 12, 2022). "Jennifer Hudson EGOTs With Tony Win for Producing 'A Strange Loop'". Variety. Retrieved June 13, 2022.
  126. ^ "Cannes: Jennifer Hudson, Common, Milla Jovovich, Quvenzhane Wallis to Star in Action-Thriller 'Breathe'". The Hollywood Reporter. May 10, 2022. p. 1. Retrieved May 11, 2022.
  127. ^ Wiseman, Andreas (July 7, 2022). "Samuel Goldwyn Acquires 'Tell It Like A Woman' Whose All-Star Cast & Director Lineup Includes Taraji P. Henson, Jennifer Hudson, Cara Delevingne, Eva Longoria & Jacqueline Fernandez; Diane Warren & Sofia Carson Team For Original Song". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved July 7, 2022.
  128. ^ Goldberg, Lesley (June 16, 2022). "Here's When Jennifer Hudson's Daytime Talk Show Will Premiere". Billboard. Retrieved June 16, 2022.
  129. ^ Mier, Tomás (September 6, 2024). "Jennifer Hudson Announces First-Ever Christmas Album 'The Gift of Love'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved October 23, 2024.
  130. ^ Fields, Taylor (November 5, 2024). "Jennifer Hudson Giving 'The Gift Of Love' With Holiday Tour". iHeartRadio. Retrieved November 12, 2024.
  131. ^ Barbara Walters' Oscar Special, 2007
  132. ^ Multiple sources:
  133. ^ "Jennifer Hudson Engaged to Boyfriend Gary Otunga". People. September 14, 2008. Retrieved September 24, 2017.
  134. ^ Ritti, Missy (August 11, 2009). "Jennifer Hudson Welcomes a Son". Retrieved September 24, 2017.
  135. ^ Mizoguchi, Karen (November 17, 2017). "Jennifer Hudson and Fiance David Otunga Split". People. Retrieved November 17, 2017.
  136. ^ Swartz, Tracy. "Jennifer Hudson, ex appear in court in Chicago as custody battle continues". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved August 22, 2018.
  137. ^ "Jennifer Hudson's Mom, Brother Shot to Death". KLTA News. October 24, 2008. Retrieved October 25, 2008.[permanent dead link]
  138. ^ "Mother, brother of Jennifer Hudson killed". ABC Local. October 24, 2008. Retrieved September 24, 2017.
  139. ^ Gorner, Jeremy; Heinzmann, David; Janega, James; Rozas, Angela (October 24, 2008). "Sources: Jennifer Hudson relative slain; child missing". Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on October 25, 2008. Retrieved October 24, 2008.
  140. ^ Multiple sources:
  141. ^ Vineyard, Jennifer (December 3, 2008). "William Balfour, Suspect in Hudson Family Killings, Denied Bail". MTV. Archived from the original on December 5, 2008. Retrieved December 3, 2008.
  142. ^ Hussain, Rummana; Fitzpatrick, Lauren (May 11, 2012). "Jennifer Hudson 'emotional but relieved' with guilty verdicts". Chicago Sun-Times (suntimes.com). Retrieved May 7, 2020.
  143. ^ "Killer of Jennifer Hudson relatives gets three life sentences without parole". CNN. July 24, 2012. Retrieved May 7, 2020.
  144. ^ "Balfour Sentenced To Life In Prison In Hudson Family Slayings". NBC News. July 24, 2012. Retrieved September 24, 2017.
  145. ^ Perry, Beth (October 30, 2008). "Jennifer Hudson Announces Foundation for Murder Victim Families". People. Retrieved May 7, 2020.
  146. ^ Bried, Erin. "4th Annual Self women Doing Good Awards". Self. No. September 2011. Conde Nast.
  147. ^ "L.A. Now". Los Angeles Times. May 27, 2009. Retrieved September 24, 2017.
  148. ^ "Dylan, Mellencamp, Baez Bring Civil Rights Songs to White House : Rolling Stone : Rock and Roll Daily". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on February 13, 2010. Retrieved September 1, 2017.
  149. ^ "Jennifer Hudson's New House: Chicago Native Buys Mansion In Burr Ridge (PHOTOS)". Huffington Post. December 1, 2011. Retrieved January 5, 2019.
  150. ^ "Jennifer Hudson Reveals She Is Sober: 'I've Never Had A Drink In My Life'". HuffPost. October 11, 2013. Retrieved September 18, 2024.
  151. ^ Kaur, Brahmjot (January 22, 2024). "Jennifer Hudson and Common Confirm Their Romance in the Most Heartwarming Way". eonline.com. E! News. Retrieved April 1, 2024.
  152. ^ Lodderhose, Diana (May 10, 2022). "Sam Worthington, Jennifer Hudson, Milla Jovovich, Quvenzhané Wallis & Common Set For Stefon Bristol's Action-Thriller 'Breathe' From Thunder Road & Capstone – Cannes Market". Deadline. Retrieved December 29, 2022.
  153. ^ "Hair (Broadway, 2004)". Playbill. Retrieved October 4, 2024.
  154. ^ "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas (Broadway, 2006)". Playbill. Retrieved October 4, 2024.
  155. ^ "The Color Purple (Broadway, 2015)". Retrieved October 4, 2024.
  156. ^ "A Strange Loop (Broadway, 2022)". Retrieved October 4, 2024.