This article is about the singer and actress. For her self-titled album, see Jennifer Hudson (album).

Jennifer Hudson
Hudson at the 83rd Academy Awards in 2011
Background information
Birth name | Jennifer Kate Hudson
Born | (1981-09-12) September 12, 1981 (age 32) Chicago, Illinois, United States
Genres | RB, soul
Occupations | Singer, actress, spokesperson
Instruments | Vocals
Years active | 2004?present
Labels | RCA Records (2011?present)[1] Arista
Associated acts | Ne-Yo
Website | www.jenniferhudson.com

Film Awards
Academy Awards
2006 | Best Supporting Actress
British Academy Film Awards
2006 | Best Actress in a Supporting Role
Golden Globe Awards
2006 | Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture
Screen Actors Guild Awards
2006 | Outstanding Female Actor in Supporting Role

Jennifer Kate Hudson (born September 12, 1981) is an American recording artist, actress and spokesperson.[2] She came to prominence in 2004 as a finalist on the third season of American Idol, coming in seventh place. She made her film debut in Dreamgirls (2006), which won her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, a Golden Globe Award, a BAFTA Award, an NAACP Image Award and a Screen Actors Guild Award.

She won a Grammy Award for her eponymous debut album, Jennifer Hudson, which was released in 2008 on Arista Records and was certified gold by the RIAA for selling over 800,000 copies in the US; sales exceeded 1?million copies worldwide. Additionally, it spawned the hit single "Spotlight". Her second album, I Remember Me, was released in March 2011, and reached number two on the Billboard 200, selling 165,000 copies in its first week of release.[3] The album was certified gold by the RIAA, for shipping over 500,000 copies in the US.[4]

In late 2008, after Hudson's mother, brother and nephew were killed in a shooting, Hudson stepped out of the limelight for three months. Hudson resumed her public appearances in 2009, and has since performed at the Super Bowl XLIII, the Grammy Awards, American Idol, and The Oprah Winfrey Show.[5] Hudson has been described as a friend of President Barack Obama, who invited her to appear with him at a fundraiser in Beverly Hills in May 2009.[6] She also performed at the White House at the "Celebration of Music from the Civil Rights Movement" event.[7] Her vocal range is mezzo-soprano.[8] Hudson has sold 1,280,000 albums and 2,237,000 tracks in the United States as of February 2012.[9]

## Biography[edit]

### 1981?2003: Early life and Career Beginnings[edit]

Jennifer Hudson was born on September 12, 1981, in Chicago, Illinois.[10] She is the third and youngest child of Darnell Donnerson (November 7, 1950 ? October 24, 2008)[11] and Samuel Simpson[12] (died 1999).[13] She was raised as a Baptist[14] in Englewood[15] and attended Dunbar Vocational High School, from which she graduated in 1999.[16] She cites Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, and Patti LaBelle as her overall biggest influences and inspiration.[17] At the age of 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.[18] She enrolled at Langston University but she left after a semester due to homesickness and unhappiness with the weather, and signed up at Kennedy?King College.[19]

In January 2002, Hudson signed her first recording contract with Righteous Records, a Chicago-based independent record label. The company's president, David Johnson, and his staff put Jennifer through a full year of artist development, working five days a week on live performance, stage presence, songwriting, on-camera interviewing, charm school etiquette and physical fitness. She was released from her five-year contract with Righteous Records so that she could appear on American Idol in 2004, but Jennifer credits David Johnson with teaching her "so much" and preparing her for the successful career she is enjoying today.

### 2004?05: American Idol[edit]

Hudson auditioned for the third season of American Idol, in Atlanta, 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); and contestant judge Randy Jackson said, "We're expecting more than a cruise ship performance from you."[citation needed] 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 was eliminated during the "Top 7" show after performing Barry Manilow's, "Weekend in New England." The bottom three consisting of three African-American females led to controversy.[20][21] In May 2009, MTV listed Hudson as the sixth greatest American Idol and noted her exit was the most shocking of all time.[22] 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.[23]

Performances

Theme week | Song sung | Artist
--- | --- | ---
Audition | Share Your Love With Me | Aretha Franklin
Semifinals | Imagine | John Lennon
Wild Card | I Believe in You and Me | Four Tops Whitney Houston
Top 12 Soul Music Week | Baby, I Love You | Aretha Franklin
Top 11 Country Week | No One Else on Earth | Wynonna Judd
Top 10 Motown Week | (Love Is Like A) Heat Wave | Martha and the Vandellas
Top 9 Songs of Elton John | Circle of Life | Elton John
Top 8 Songs of the Cinema | I Have Nothing from The Bodyguard | Whitney Houston
Top 7 Songs of Barry Manilow | Weekend in New England | Barry Manilow

### 2006-07: Dreamgirls[edit]

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.[24] In November 2006, Hudson signed a record deal with Arista Records.[25] On The Oprah Winfrey Show, Hudson announced plans to enter the studio in March 2007.[citation needed] Hudson said on The Tyra Banks Show, on February 23, 2007, that she just finished the first song for the album.[citation needed] Hudson also recorded a song called, "Stand Up", which was available for preview on her fan website which was produced by Chicago natives Earl Powell and Herman Little III, who arranged the song.[citation needed] 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, Beyonc? Knowles and Eddie Murphy. The role, originally created in a Broadway performance by Jennifer Holliday,[citation needed] marked Hudson's debut screen performance. She won the role over hundreds of professional singers and actresses, including Raven-Symon? and Fantasia Barrino.[26] 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".[27] Newsweek said that when moviegoers hear Hudson sing the song, she, "is going to raise goose bumps across the land."[28] 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".[29] Hudson's version of "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" debuted at number 98 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the January 13, 2007, issue.[citation needed] The Dreamgirls track became Hudson's first top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot Adult RB Airplay chart on February 24, 2007.[citation needed] "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 performing 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.[30] 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.[31] On 11 February 2007 the 60th British Academy Film Awards were held in London, but Hudson was not there to accept her award for BAFTA Award for Best Supporting Actress. The BAFTA Award went missing and Hudson did not receive her award until April 22, 2011, when it was presented to on the Graham Norton Show. On February 25, 2007, she won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the film. During her acceptance speech, Hudson said: "Oh, my God, I have to just take this moment in. I cannot believe this. Look what God can do. I didn't think I was going to win. [...] If my grandmother was here to see me now. She was my biggest inspiration." She also concluded her speech by thanking Jennifer Holliday.[32] Later in 2007, the Mayor of her home town Chicago, Richard M. Daley, declared March 6 as "Jennifer Hudson Day".[33][34] She was invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on June 18, along with 115 other individuals for 2007.[35][36] Entertainment Weekly put her performance on its end-of-the-decade, "best-of" list, saying, "Sure, Beyonc?'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."[37]

### 2008: Winnie and family murders[edit]

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.[38] In October 2008, Hudson had 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. The name of the film was changed from "Winged Creatures" to "Fragments".[citation needed] It was released on DVD on August 4, 2009. In 2010, Hudson started filming the biopic film Winnie[39] based on the South African politician Winnie Mandela[39] starring alongside Terrence Howard and directed by Darrell J. Roodt.[40] 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.[41] 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.[42] Winnie Mandela has threatened legal action over this film, claiming she was not "consulted" about the film.[43] Winnie was scheduled to be released in December 2011; the trailer was released in 2010.[40]

In January 2008 Hudson returned to the studio to record new material for her debut 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 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.[44] 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.[45] 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 until, 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 announced as "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 RB Vocal Performance for "Spotlight", Best RB Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals for "I'm His Only Woman" with Fantasia Barrino, and Best RB Album for Jennifer Hudson. She won the last of these and performed at the awards ceremony.[46]

| Wikinews has related news: Mother, brother of singer Jennifer Hudson found murdered, others reported missing FBI asked to assist in murder, kidnap investigation of Jennifer Hudson's relatives FBI says Jennifer Hudson's nephew found dead Arrest made in Jennifer Hudson family killings

In October 2008, Hudson's 57-year-old mother, Darnell Donnerson, and 29-year-old brother, Jason, were found shot to death inside the Chicago home Donnerson shared with Hudson's elder sister, Julia.[47] An AMBER Alert was issued for her 7-year-old nephew, Julian King, when Julia reported him missing.[48][49] Three days later the Federal Bureau of Investigation confirmed the body found in Chicago's West Side area was the nephew, an autopsy indicated the death was due to "multiple gunshot wounds."[50][51][52][53] William Balfour, 27, the estranged husband of Hudson's sister Julia, was charged with three counts of first degree murder, one count of home invasion and was denied bail.[54] In May 2012 he was convicted on all seven counts against him, including possession of a stolen vehicle.[55] In July 2012 he was sentenced to three life sentences without the possibility of parole; served one after another, followed by an additional 120 years for his other convictions.[56][57] He is incarcerated in Stateville Correctional Center near Joliet, Illinois.

Hudson's family announced creation of The Hudson-King Foundation for Families of Slain Victims, in honor of the three victims.[58]

### 2009?10: Jennifer Hudson[edit]

Jennifer Hudson's first public appearance after the murder of three family members, including her mother, sings "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.[59][60][61] She toured the United States with Robin Thicke in 2009.[62] In early May 2009, Hudson suffered "throat fatigue" and had to reschedule her May 16?19, 2009, tour dates.[63] She sang "Will You Be There" at the Michael Jackson memorial service in July 2009.[64] 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 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. She also performed the song "Easy to be Hard" on the Actors' Fund benefit recording of the musical Hair;[citation needed] and she is featured on Ne-Yo's second album, Because of You, on the track, "Leaving Tonight". Hudson sang "Dancing a Catchy Rhythm" with Brooke White.[citation needed] Hudson performed a Christmas special on ABC 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.[65] 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.[66] Also, that year, Hudson recorded the song "One Shining Moment" for the 2010 NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament.

In 2010 Hudson became the spokesperson for Weight Watchers.[2][67] She has lost 56 pounds (25 kg) in the last year and "does not want to lose any more weight."[68] However, on February 10, 2011, she appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show and revealed she has now lost a total of 80 pounds.[69] Her 2012 autobiography, I Got This: How I Changed My Ways and Lost What Weighed Me Down, detailed her weight loss.[70][71][72]

### 2011?present: I Remember Me[edit]

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."[73] 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.[74] On January 24, 2011 Hudson premiered the album's lead single "Where You At".[75] It was written by R. Kelly and produced by Harvey Mason, Jr.[76] The song went for radio adds that same week.[77] On February 3, 2011 due to radio adds the single made its debut on the US Billboard Hot RB/Hip-Hop Songs chart at number 53,[78][clarification needed] having so far reached a peak of number 10.[79] The music video premiered on BET's 106 Park and through Vevo in February 2011.[80][81] "No One Gonna Love You" impacted on Urban adult contemporary radio in the United States in May 2011. A remix bundle titled "No One Gonna Love You-The Remixes" was released as a digital download in the US and the UK in July 2011.[82][83][84] The song has reached number 23 on the Hot RB/Hip-Hop Songs.[85] The third U.S. single will be "I Got This".[86] The non-single track "Don't Look Down" reached number 70 on the US Hot RB/Hip-Hop Songs chart.[87]

Hudson played a nun in the Farrelly brothers 2012 film The Three Stooges.[88]

The day after the death of Whitney Houston, Hudson paid tribute to her by singing Houston's iconic "I Will Always Love You" during the 54th Grammy Awards held February 12, 2012 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.[89]

Hudson will guest-star for a multi-episode arc on the second season of the NBC series, Smash.[90] In 2013, she will receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.[91]

## Personal life[edit]

Hudson began dating James Payton in 1999, when she was 18.[92] They separated in late 2007. Hudson met David Otunga, a professional wrestler in the WWE and a Harvard Law graduate,[93][94][95] and the couple became engaged in September 2008.[96] In August 2009, Hudson gave birth to her first child, a boy named David Daniel Otunga Jr.[97]

## Discography[edit]

Main article: Jennifer Hudson discography

- Jennifer Hudson (2008)
- I Remember Me (2011)

## Filmography[edit]

Hudson has appeared in the following film releases:[98]

Film
Year | Title | Role | Notes
--- | --- | --- | ---
2006 | Dreamgirls | Effie White | Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress Austin Film Critics Association Award for Breakout Artist African-American Film Critics Association Award for Best Supporting Actress BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role BET Award for Best Actress BET Award for Best New Artist Black Reel Award: Best Supporting Actress Black Reel Award: Best Breakthrough Performance Broadcast Film Critics Association Award for Best Supporting Actress Central Ohio Film Critics Award for Best Supporting Actress Florida Film Critics Circle Award for Pauline Kael Breakout Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress - Motion Picture Hollywood Life Award for Breakthrough of the Year Las Vegas Film Critics Society Award for Best Supporting Actress NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture National Board of Review Award for Best Female Breakthrough Performance New York Film Critics Circle Award for Best Supporting Actress New York Online Film Critics Award for Breakthrough Performer Oklahoma Film Critics Circle Award for Breakout Performance Palm Springs International Film Festival Award for Breakthrough Performance Satellite Award for Best Supporting Actress - Motion Picture Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role ShoWest Female Star of Tomorrow Award Soul Train Award for Sammy Davis Jr. Award for Entertainer of the Year Southeastern Film Critics Association Award for Best Supporting Actress St. Louis Gateway Film Critics Association Award for Best Supporting Actress Teen Choice Award for Choice Movie Actress: Drama Washington, DC Film Critics Association Award for Best Supporting Actress Washington, DC Film Crtics Association Award for Best Breakthrough Performance Nominated?BET Award for Best Female RB Artist Nominated?Los Angeles Film Critics Association Award for Best Supporting Actress Nominated?MTV Movie Award for Best Performance Nominated?National Society of Film Critics Award for Best Supporting Actress Nominated?Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture Nominated? Teen Choice Award for Choice Movie Actress (Breakout)
2008 | Sex and the City | Louise |
2008 | Secret Life of Bees, The The Secret Life of Bees | Rosaleen Daise | Nominated?BET Award for Best Actress Nominated?Black Reel Award for Best Actress Nominated?Black Reel Award for Best Ensemble Nominated?NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Movie
2009 | Fragments | Kathy Archenault |
2011 | Winnie | Winnie Mandela |
2012 | The Three Stooges | Sister Rosemary |

Television
Year | Title | Role | Notes
--- | --- | --- | ---
2004 | American Idol | Herself | Season 3; 7th place
2012 | Smash | Veronica Moore | Episode #2.01

## Awards and nominations[edit]

Year | Award | Category | Nominated Work | Result
--- | --- | --- | --- | ---
2006 | ShoWest | Female Star of Tomorrow | Dreamgirls | Won
Satellite Awards | Best Actress in a Supporting Role | Won
National Board of Review of Motion Pictures | Best Female Breakthrough Performance | Won
Los Angeles Film Critics Association | Best Supporting Actress | Nominated
New York Film Critics Circle | Best Supporting Actress | Won
New York Film Critics Online | Best Supporting Actress | Won
Breakthrough Performer | Won
Hollywood Life Awards | Breakthrough of the Year | Won
Southeastern Film Critics Association Awards | Best Supporting Actress | Won
Washington, DC Film Critics Association | Best Supporting Actress | Won
Best Breakthrough Performance | Won
African-American Film Critics Association | Best Supporting Actress | Won
Palm Springs International Film Festival | Breakthrough Performance | Won
Las Vegas Film Critics Association | Best Supporting Actress | Won
Florida Film Critics Circle Awards | Pauline Kael Breakout | Won
Oklahoma Film Critics Circle Award | Breakout Performance | Won
2007 | The National Society of Film Critics | Best Supporting Actress | Nominated
St. Louis Gateway Film Critics Awards | Best Supporting Actress | Won
Austin Film Critics Association | Breakout Artist | Won
Broadcast Film Critics Awards | Best Supporting Actress | Won
Golden Globe Awards | Best Supporting Actress ? Motion Picture | Won
Screen Actors Guild | Best Supporting Actress | Won
Best Ensemble in a Motion Picture | Nominated
NAACP Image Awards | Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture | Won
British Academy Film Awards | Actress in a Supporting Role | Won
Central Ohio Film Critics Awards | Best Supporting Actress | Won
Black Reel Awards | Best Supporting Actress | Won
Best Breakthrough Performance | Won
Academy Awards | Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role | Won
Soul Train Awards | Sammy Davis Jr. Award for Entertainer of the Year | Won
MTV Movie Awards | Best Performance | Nominated
BET Awards | Best Female RB Artist |  | Nominated
Best Actress | Dreamgirls | Won
Best New Artist |  | Won
Teen Choice Awards | Choice Movie Actress: Drama | Dreamgirls | Won
Choice Movie Actress (Breakout) | Nominated
2008 | Vibe Music Awards | VHollywood Award |  | Nominated
Black Reel Awards | Best Actress | The Secret Life of Bees | Nominated
Best Ensemble | Nominated
Grammy Awards | Best Compilation Soundtrack Album for a Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media | Dreamgirls: Music from the Motion Picture | Nominated
2009 | Best RB Album | Jennifer Hudson | Won
Best Female RB Vocal Performance | Spotlight | Nominated
Best RB Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals | I'm His Only Woman featuring Fantasia Barrino | Nominated
NAACP Image Awards | Outstanding New Artist |  | Won
Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture | The Secret Life of Bees | Nominated
Outstanding Female Artist |  | Nominated
Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration | I'm His Only Woman featuring Fantasia Barrino | Won
Outstanding Music Video | Spotlight | Nominated
Outstanding Song | Nominated
Outstanding Album | Jennifer Hudson | Won
BET Awards | Best Female RB Artist |  | Nominated
Best Actress | The Secret Life of Bees | Nominated
Teen Choice Awards | Choice Music: RB Artist |  | Nominated
Choice Music: RB Track | If This Isn't Love | Nominated
Soul Train Awards | Best RB/Soul Female Artist |  | Nominated
Song of the Year | Spotlight | Nominated
2010 | People's Choice Awards | Favorite RB Artist |  | Nominated
Teen Choice Awards | Choice American Idol Alum |  | Nominated
2011 | BET Awards | Best Female RB Artist[99] |  | Nominated
2012 | NAACP Image Awards[100] | Outstanding Female Artist |  | Nominated
Outstanding Music Video | Where You At | Won
Outstanding Album | I Remember Me | Won
Billboard Music Awards | Top RB Album[101] | I Remember Me | Nominated

## See also[edit]

| Book: Jennifer Hudson

## References[edit]

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2. ^ a b Tan, Michelle (April 1, 2010). "Jennifer Hudson Is the New Face?and Body!?of Weight Watchers". People.
3. ^ "Album Charts: Chris Brown Earns First Billboard 200 #1 With 'F.A.M.E.' " Published 03/31/2011, Ballerstatus.com
4. ^ "Recording Industry Association of America". RIAA. Retrieved 2012-02-23.
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7. ^ [1][dead link]
8. ^ "Jennifer Hudson: Bringing Down the House". vogue.com. Retrieved 2011-08-03.
9. ^ Top 24 'American Idol' Of All-Time
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11. ^ "Social Security Death Index". Ssdi.rootsweb.ancestry.com. July 15, 2010. Retrieved March 10, 2011.
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17. ^ World Entertainment News Network (February 7, 2008). "Dreamgirls Star Hudson Dreams Of Houston Duet". Teen Music. Retrieved September 11, 2007.
18. ^ Biography Today, p. 50.
19. ^ Biography Today, p. 51.
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22. ^ 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. [2]
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27. ^ Vilkomerson, Sara (December 3, 2006). "Dreamgirls Wakes Up". The New York Observer. Retrieved November 9, 2008.
28. ^ "Hudson steals ?Dreamgirls,? flirts with Oscar". MSNBC. December 11, 2006. Retrieved November 9, 2008.
29. ^ Pollan, Michael (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]
30. ^ Ruben V. Nepales (January 17, 2007). "Golden Globe winners have ties, memories of RP". Global Nation. Retrieved September 11, 2007.
31. ^ WENN (February 13, 2007). "Hudson Makes History with 'Vogue' Cover". Hollywood. Retrieved September 11, 2007.
32. ^ "'Dreamgirl' Jennifer Hudson Wins Oscar". News Max. February 26, 2007. Retrieved September 13, 2008.
33. ^ "In brief: Chicago celebrates Jennifer Hudson Day". The Guardian (London). March 7, 2007. Retrieved May 6, 2010.
34. ^ "City honours actress with own day". BBC News, Wednesday. March 7, 2007.
35. ^ Associated Press (June 19, 2007). "Film Academy Invites 115 New Members". abc7. Retrieved September 13, 2008.
36. ^ Leslie Unger (June 18, 2007). "Academy Invites 115 to Become Members". Oscars. Archived from the original on December 24, 2007. Retrieved September 13, 2008.
37. ^ 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
38. ^ Leslie Simmons (September 11, 2007). "Hudson moves to 'Sex and the City' movie". The Hollywood Reporter. Archived from the original on October 12, 2007. Retrieved September 11, 2007.
39. ^ a b "Winnie ? Jennifer Hudson and Terrence Howard". Myweku.com. November 18, 2010. Retrieved March 10, 2011.
40. ^ a b "Jennifer Hudson Interview on Winnie, Weight Loss, New Album, More". The Daily Beast. February 20, 2011. Retrieved March 10, 2011.
41. ^ Fleming, Michael (November 17, 2009). "Jennifer Hudson to star in 'Winnie'". Variety. Retrieved March 10, 2011.
42. ^ "South African actors 'want Hudson out of Mandela film'". American Free Press. December 7, 2009. Retrieved December 8, 2009.
43. ^ Berger, Sebastien (January 26, 2010). "Winnie Mandela threatens legal action over film". Daily Telegraph (UK). Retrieved March 10, 2011.
44. ^ Jonathan Cohen (May 19, 2008). "Debut Jennifer Hudson Album Due In September". Billboard. Retrieved September 13, 2008.
45. ^ Wilson Morales (May 7, 2008). "Sex and the City: The Movie". Black Film. Retrieved September 13, 2008.
46. ^ "Carrie Underwood and Jennifer Hudson to perform at Grammy Awards".
47. ^ "Jennifer Hudson's Mom, Brother Shot to Death". KLTA news. October 24, 2008. Retrieved October 25, 2008.
48. ^ "Mother, brother of Jennifer Hudson killed". ABC Local. October 24, 2008. Retrieved October 25, 2008.
49. ^ Gorner, Jeremy; Heinzmann, David; Janega, James; Rozas, Angela (October 24, 2008). "Sources: Jennifer Hudson relative slain; child missing". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved October 24, 2008.
50. ^ "Body found in SUV linked to Hudson shootings". CNN. October 27, 2008. Retrieved October 27, 2008.
51. ^ Shenoy, Rupa (October 27, 2008). "Body found in SUV, unknown if it's Hudson's nephew". Google. Retrieved October 27, 2008.
52. ^ Tareen, Sophia (October 27, 2008). "FBI says body found is that of Hudson's nephew, 7". news.yahoo.com. Retrieved October 27, 2008.
53. ^ "Autopsy: Hudson nephew shot multiple times". CNN. October 28, 2008. Retrieved November 9, 2008. [dead link]
54. ^ Vineyard, Jennifer (December 3, 2008). "William Balfour, Suspect In Hudson Family Killings, Denied Bail". MTV. Retrieved December 3, 2008.
55. ^ Hussain, Rummana; Fitzpatrick, Lauren (May 11, 2012). "Jennifer Hudson 'emotional but relieved' with guilty verdicts". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved May 13, 2012.
56. ^ "Killer of Jennifer Hudson relatives gets three life sentences without parole". CNN. July 25, 2012.
57. ^ "Balfour Sentenced To Life In Prison In Hudson Family Slayings". Huffington Post. July 24, 2012.
58. ^ Perry, Beth (October 30, 2008). "Jennifer Hudson Announces Foundation for Murder Victim Families". People. Retrieved October 30, 2008.
59. ^ "Jennifer Hudson Wasn't Singing". inmusic.ca. Retrieved August 7, 2009. [dead link]
60. ^ "Hudson's Emotional Return". Yahoo! Music. February 1, 2009. Retrieved February 1, 2009.
61. ^ "Jennifer Hudson to Sing National Anthem at Super Bowl". People.com. 2009-01-14. Retrieved 2011-08-02.
62. ^ "Hudson performs for first time since Oct slayings". Apnews.myway.com. Retrieved March 10, 2011.
63. ^ "Jennifer Hudson Takes Throat Forced Break From Tour, Postpones Final Dates". Singersroom.com. May 5, 2009. Retrieved March 10, 2011.
64. ^ Powers, Ann; Martens, Todd (July 7, 2009). "Michael Jackson memorial: Jennifer Hudson sings 'Will You Be There'". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved July 8, 2009.
65. ^ Joyce Eng. "Jennifer Hudson Locks in Christmas Special". TVGuide.com.
66. ^ "Hope For Haiti's Total Now At $61?Million ? And Counting". Multichannel News. January 26, 2010. Retrieved March 10, 2011.
67. ^ "Jennifer Hudson: New face of Weight Watchers". CNN. April 1, 2010. [dead link]
68. ^ "Jennifer Hudson Instyle Confession ? Size 16 to 6 and Lost 56 Pounds". National Ledger. August 4, 2010. Retrieved August 5, 2010.
69. ^ "Jennifer Hudson's Incredible Weight Loss". Oprah.com. February 10, 2011. Retrieved June 1, 2011.
70. ^ Swerdlick, David (2011-12-21). "I Got This: Jennifer Hudson's Latest Book". Theroot.com. Retrieved 2012-04-09.
71. ^ Arceneaux, Michael. "Jennifer Hudson Lands Book Deal". BET. Retrieved 2012-04-09. Text " News " ignored (help)
72. ^ I Got This: How I Changed My Ways and Lost What Weighed Me Down, Jennifer Hudson. New York: Dutton (2012) ISBN 978-0525952770
73. ^ "Who Wants a Whitney Jennifer Hudson Duet?". E! Online. September 18, 2009. Retrieved March 10, 2011.
74. ^ "Chris Brown, Jennifer Hudson debut in The Billboard 200's two top spots". Content.usatoday.com. 2011-03-30. Retrieved 2011-08-02.
75. ^ Review at Jennifer Hudson web site
76. ^ Snippet at Rap-up.com
77. ^ "Top Hip-Hop and RB Songs Singles Charts" (in (French)). Billboard.com. Retrieved 2012-04-09.
78. ^ "Top Hip-Hop and RB Songs Singles Charts". Billboard.com. Retrieved 2011-03-11.
79. ^ Hudson's chart history at Billboard.com
80. ^ "FIRST LOOK: Jennifer Hudson's "Where You At" Video "Ellen"". Rodonline.typepad.com. 2011-02-18. Retrieved 2011-03-11.
81. ^ "First Look at Jennifer Hudson?s "Where You At" Video". Rap-Up.com. 2011-02-17. Retrieved 2011-03-11.
82. ^ "iTunes - Music - No One Gonna Love You (Remixes) by Jennifer Hudson". Itunes.apple.com. 2011-07-13. Retrieved 2012-04-09.
83. ^ "No One Gonna Love You (Jason Nevins Extended Remix): Jennifer Hudson: Amazon.co.uk: MP3 Downloads". Amazon.co.uk. Retrieved 2012-04-09.
84. ^ Published Thursday, Jun 23 2011, 11:40 BST (2011-06-23). "Jennifer Hudson confirms new single 'No One Gonna Love You' - Music News". Digital Spy. Retrieved 2012-04-09.
85. ^ "Hot RB/Hip-Hop Songs - Week of June 16, 2011". Billboard. Retrieved June 16, 2011.
86. ^ "Jennifer Hudson's Next Single Will Be...". Thatgrapejuice.net. 2011-09-21. Retrieved 2012-04-09. Text " ..::That Grape Juice // ThatGrapeJuice.net::.. " ignored (help); Text " Thirsty? " ignored (help)
87. ^ "Jennifer Hudson Music News Info". Billboard. July 5, 2011. Retrieved July 5, 2011.
88. ^ McClintock, Pamela (June 1, 2011). "Jennifer Hudson Cast as a Nun in 'Three Stooges'". The Hollywood Reporter (Prometheus Global Media). Retrieved June 1, 2011.
89. ^ Makarechi, Kia (2012-02-14). "Jennifer Hudson's Whitney Houston Grammy Tribute, "I Will Always Love You"". Huffingtonpost.com. Retrieved 2012-05-06.
90. ^ "Jennifer Hudson joins NBC's 'Smash'". EW.com. 2012-06-22. Retrieved 2012-06-22.
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92. ^ Barbara Walters' Oscar Special, 2007
93. ^ "David Otunga". WWE.com. Retrieved 2012-04-09.
94. ^ "Harvard Law Grad". Abovethelaw.com. October 12, 2007. Retrieved March 10, 2011.
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96. ^ "Jennifer Hudson Engaged to Boyfriend Gary Otunga". People. September 14, 2008. Retrieved September 14, 2008.
97. ^ Ritti, Missy (August 11, 2009). "Jennifer Hudson Welcomes a Son". Retrieved August 11, 2009.
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99. ^ "Best Female RB Artist ? BET Awards 2011". Bet.com. Retrieved 2011-08-02.
100. ^ 02/17/2012 by Olivia Allin (2012-02-17). "NAACP Image Awards 2012: Full list of winners". Ontheredcarpet.com. Retrieved 2012-05-06.
101. ^ Kaufman, Gil (2012-04-20). "Adele, Rihanna, Lady Gaga Lead Billboard Noms". Mtv.com. Retrieved 2012-05-06.

## External links[edit]

| Wikimedia Commons has media related to Jennifer Hudson.

- Official website
- Jennifer Hudson at AllMusic
- API at the Internet Broadway Database
- API at the Internet Movie Database

Awards and achievements
Preceded by Rachel Weisz | Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress 2006 | Succeeded by Tilda Swinton
Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress ? Motion Picture 2006 | Succeeded by Cate Blanchett
Preceded by Chaka Khan (Funk This) | Grammy Award for Best RB Album (Jennifer Hudson) 2009 | Succeeded by BLACKsummers'night by Maxwell

Articles related to Jennifer Hudson
Jennifer Hudson
Studio albums | Jennifer Hudson I Remember Me
Singles | "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" "Spotlight" "If This Isn't Love" "Giving Myself" "Where You At" "I Remember Me" "No One Gonna Love You" "Think Like a Man"
Other songs | "Love You I Do" "All Dressed in Love" "We Are the World 25 for Haiti" "Night of Your Life"
Related | Discography American Idol (season 3) American Idols LIVE! Tour 2004 David Otunga
Book:Jennifer Hudson
Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress (2001–2020)
Jennifer Connelly (2001) Catherine Zeta-Jones (2002) Renée Zellweger (2003) Cate Blanchett (2004) Rachel Weisz (2005) Jennifer Hudson (2006) Tilda Swinton (2007) Penélope Cruz (2008) Mo'Nique (2009) Melissa Leo (2010) Octavia Spencer (2011) Anne Hathaway (2012)
Complete list (1936–1940) (1941–1960) (1961–1980) (1981–2000) (2001–2020)
BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role (1985–2009)
Rosanna Arquette (1985) Judi Dench (1986) Susan Wooldridge (1987) Judi Dench (1988) Michelle Pfeiffer (1989) Whoopi Goldberg (1990) Kate Nelligan (1991) Miranda Richardson (1992) Miriam Margolyes (1993) Kristin Scott Thomas (1994) Kate Winslet (1995) Juliette Binoche (1996) Sigourney Weaver (1997) Judi Dench (1998) Maggie Smith (1999) Julie Walters (2000) Jennifer Connelly (2001) Catherine Zeta-Jones (2002) Renée Zellweger (2003) Cate Blanchett (2004) Thandie Newton (2005) Jennifer Hudson (2006) Tilda Swinton (2007) Penélope Cruz (2008) Mo'Nique (2009)
Complete list (1968–1984) (1985–2009) (2010–2034)
Broadcast Film Critics Association Award for Best Supporting Actress
Mira Sorvino (1995) Joan Allen (1996) Joan Cusack (1997) Joan Allen / Kathy Bates (1998) Angelina Jolie (1999)
Frances McDormand (2000) Jennifer Connelly (2001) Catherine Zeta-Jones (2002) Renée Zellweger (2003) Virginia Madsen (2004) Amy Adams / Michelle Williams (2005) Jennifer Hudson (2006) Amy Ryan (2007) Kate Winslet (2008) Mo'Nique (2009)
Melissa Leo (2010) Octavia Spencer (2011) Anne Hathaway (2012)
Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress – Motion Picture (2001–2020)
Jennifer Connelly (2001) Meryl Streep (2002) Renée Zellweger (2003) Natalie Portman (2004) Rachel Weisz (2005) Jennifer Hudson (2006) Cate Blanchett (2007) Kate Winslet (2008) Mo'Nique (2009) Melissa Leo (2010) Octavia Spencer (2011) Anne Hathaway (2012)
Complete list (1943–1960) (1961–1980) (1981–2000) (2001–present)
Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role
Dianne Wiest (1994) Kate Winslet (1995) Lauren Bacall (1996) Kim Basinger / Gloria Stuart (1997) Kathy Bates (1998) Angelina Jolie (1999) Judi Dench (2000) Helen Mirren (2001) Catherine Zeta-Jones (2002) Renée Zellweger (2003) Cate Blanchett (2004) Rachel Weisz (2005) Jennifer Hudson (2006) Ruby Dee (2007) Kate Winslet (2008) Mo'Nique (2009) Melissa Leo (2010) Octavia Spencer (2011) Anne Hathaway (2012)
American Idol season 3
Finalists | Fantasia Barrino Diana DeGarmo Jasmine Trias LaToya London George Huff John Stevens Jennifer Hudson Jon Peter Lewis Camile Velasco Amy Adams Matthew Rogers Leah LaBelle
Other Sources | Tour "I Believe" "Dreams"
American Idol
Episodes Season 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
Hosts | Ryan Seacrest Brian Dunkleman (2002)
Judges |
Current | Keith Urban Jennifer Lopez Harry Connick, Jr.
Former | Paula Abdul Simon Cowell Randy Jackson Kara DioGuardi Ellen DeGeneres Steven Tyler Mariah Carey Nicki Minaj
Finalists |
Winners | Kelly Clarkson Ruben Studdard Fantasia Barrino Carrie Underwood Taylor Hicks Jordin Sparks David Cook Kris Allen Lee DeWyze Scotty McCreery Phillip Phillips Candice Glover
Runners-up | Justin Guarini Clay Aiken Diana DeGarmo Bo Bice Katharine McPhee Blake Lewis David Archuleta Adam Lambert Crystal Bowersox Lauren Alaina Jessica Sanchez Kree Harrison
Other alumni | Josh Gracin Jennifer Hudson Elliott Yamin Chris Daughtry Kellie Pickler
Winners' singles | "A Moment Like This" "Flying Without Wings" "I Believe" "Inside Your Heaven" "Do I Make You Proud" "This Is My Now" "The Time of My Life" "No Boundaries" "Beautiful Day" "I Love You This Big" "Home" "I Am Beautiful"
Related programming | Idol (series) From Justin to Kelly American Juniors Christmas Extra Idol Gives Back Rewind World Idol
Concert tours | 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Related articles | Alumni album sales Alumni awards and nominations Alumni in film, television and theater Alumni single sales Compilation series Controversies Discography Hot 100 singles "Judge Me Tender" The American Idol Experience Video game Interscope Records Jimmy Iovine

Authority control | VIAF: 58849472

Persondata
Name | Hudson, Jennifer
Alternative names | Hudson, Jennifer Kate
Short description | Singer?songwriter, actress, spokesperson
Date of birth | September 12, 1981
Place of birth | Chicago, Illinois, United States
Date of death |
Place of death |