Best known for her role as Effie White in the 2006 film version of the Broadway musical Dreamgirls, vocalist/actress Jennifer Hudson was first brought to the public's attention while a contestant on the third season of the reality show vocal competition American Idol. Born in 1981 in Chicago, IL, Hudson sang from a young age, first performing in her church. Various talent shows and school musical productions followed until she eventually secured a role in a local Chicago production of the musical Big River. Prior to auditioning for American Idol, Hudson also sang professionally while working on the Disney Wonder cruise ship.
In 2004, she auditioned for and won a spot on the third season of American Idol along with eventual winner Fantasia Barrino. Though a strong contender and fan favorite from the start, Hudson would eventually become the sixth of the 12 finalists to get voted off the show. Ironically, after the show ended, there was speculation that Barrino would get the coveted role of Effie in the film version of Dreamgirls. However, Hudson won the role and went on to receive not only critical acclaim for her performance, but also both a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Supporting Role and an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress. Her debut album, Jennifer Hudson, finally materialized on Arista in September 2008, led by the Top Ten R&B/Hip-Hop single "Spotlight." In 2011, Hudson delivered her sophomore studio-album I Remember Me featuring the R. Kelly-penned single "Where You At."~ Matt Collar, Rovi
Welcome to Buzzworthy's "The Week In Pop," where we round up new album releases, talk show musical guests, TV performances by your favorite pop stars,...
acoustic version of the Evol track "Star Power" that the group performed on a recent episode of Gossip Girl. [Pitchfork] Sebadoh Plan Reissue and Reun...
Jennifer Hudson, who knows a thing or two about being booted off "Idol" way before her time, was equally dumbfounded. "I can not believe they just eli...
Tweet Here's what is easily the most moving, tears-inducing moments of the 54th Grammy Awards. Jennifer Hudson somehow kept it together for a tribute ...
Jennifer Hudson pays tribute to Whitney Houston onstage at the 54th Annual Grammy Awards. Kevin Winter/Getty Images Jennifer Hudson, who broke down se...
awesome." So, would Crow lend her rap skills to a track? "I would! I have dabbled," Crow said, laughing. "I'm just kidding." All joking aside, Crow is...
life because she ended up praying for the success that she wanted and it happened. This is what this night's about." Bennett, 86, was honored at New Y...
The music industry honored the Library of Congress with a special Grammy Award on Wednesday night for its work over the past decade to preserve histor...
The American Idol season 13 judges panel is starting to come together. A source close to the dealings tells The Hollywood Reporter that former finalis...
Jennifer As Winnie Jennifer Hudson is continuing to strengthen her acting oeuvre, and her latest project tells an important and historical story. Titl...
Jennifer Hudson's new film Winnie Mandela -- a biopic about the wife of legendary South African civil rights activist Nelson Mandela -- hits theaters ...
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