Jennifer Hudson
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Jennifer Hudson | |
|---|---|
 Jennifer Hudson, 2007 |
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| Born | Jennifer Kate Hudson September 12, 1981 Chicago, Illinois |
| Occupation | Actress, Singer and Model |
| Years active | 2003-present |
Jennifer Kate Hudson (born September 12, 1981) is an American actress and singer. She first gained notice as one of the finalists on the third season of the FOX television series American Idol. She went on to star as Effie White in the 2006 motion picture adaptation of the musical Dreamgirls for which she won numerous awards including an Oscar, a Golden Globe, a BAFTA, and a SAG Award.
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[edit] Background
Hudson was born in Chicago, Illinois, the daughter of Darnell Hudson and Samuel Simpson, who was a bus driver.[1] She was raised Baptist[2] and attended Dunbar Vocational Career Academy and graduated in 1999. She cites Whitney Houston as her musical and movie influence, as well as Aretha Franklin.[3] She has also cited on multiple occasions that Celine Dion is one of her favorite artists.[4][5]
After seeing Hudson's performance in Dreamgirls, American Idol judge Simon Cowell taped a congratulatory message to her, which aired on The Oprah Winfrey Show.[6] 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.[7]
[edit] American Idol
Hudson auditioned for the third season of American Idol in Atlanta, Georgia. In her audition she commented that she had been singing on Disney Cruise Lines for the past few months (as one of the Muses from Hercules) and Randy said "We're expecting more than a cruise ship performance from you". Jennifer delivered and all the judges agreed it was the best voice they had heard so far in the competition. She was a member of the first group of semifinalists in the Semi Finals. She was not voted through to the final round, although she was brought back on the wildcard round and put through as a Top 12 finalist by contest judge Randy Jackson.
Jennifer Hudson struggled to gain popularity in the early stages of the live shows, receiving the second-lowest number of votes in two of the first three shows. However, after a change in song choices, she soon became a favorite to win, receiving the highest number of votes in the Top 9 after her performance of Elton John's "Circle of Life" on April 6, 2004. Among Hudson's performances on the show was her rendition of Whitney Houston's "I Have Nothing". American Idol judge Simon Cowell commented that she "finally proved why she was among the Top 12" and referred to the performance a week later as "sensational".[8]
On April 21, 2004, Hudson became the sixth of the 12 finalists to be voted off the show, finishing the competition in seventh place.
[edit] American Idol performances
- "Imagine" (John Lennon, 1971) (Semifinals; February 10, 2004)
- "I Believe in You and Me" (The Four Tops, 1982; Whitney Houston, 1996) (Wild card; March 9, 2004)
- "Baby, I Love You" (Aretha Franklin, 1967) (Soul week; March 16, 2004) (Bottom 2)
- "No One Else on Earth" (Wynonna Judd)" (Country; March 23, 2004)
- "(Love is Like a) Heat Wave" (Motown, Martha and the Vandellas; March 30, 2004) (Bottom 2)
- "Circle of Life" Elton John, 1994) (Elton John songs; April 6, 2004)
- "I Have Nothing" (The Bodyguard, Whitney Houston, 1992) (Movie songs week; April 14, 2004) (Highest Number Of Votes)
- "Weekend in New England" (Barry Manilow, 1976) (Manilow songs; April 20, 2004) (Bottom 3: eliminated)
[edit] Acting career
[edit] Dreamgirls
In November 2005, Hudson was cast in the prized role of Effie White, the role originally created in a legendary Broadway performance by Jennifer Holliday, for the film adaptation of the musical Dreamgirls, which also starred Jamie Foxx, Beyonce Knowles, and Eddie Murphy. This role marked Hudson's debut screen performance. Hudson won the role over hundreds of professional singers and actresses, including American Idol winner Fantasia Barrino. She said in an interview on The View that Fantasia called her and said:"Girl, you stole my part".[9] 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." Newsweek said that when moviegoers hear Hudson sing the song, she "is going to raise goose bumps across the land." Variety 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."
As Effie White, Hudson has garnered twenty-nine 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.
On February 25, 2007, she won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in this film. At 25 years old, Hudson became the eighth-youngest winner of the Best Supporting Actress Oscar. Upon winning this award, Hudson also became one of the very few performers ever to win an Oscar for a debut screen performance. As of 2007, she is also the only person to have gone from participating in a reality television series to becoming an Academy Award winner. 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.[10]
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. The Dreamgirls track has since become Hudson's first Top 10 hit, but not on the Hot 100, as the track registered a new peak at #7 on the Billboard Hot Adult R&B Airplay chart on February 24, 2007. The track has also reached #14 on the Hot R&B/HipHop Songs chart, and remixes of the song have seen Jennifer reach the #1 position on Billboard's Hot Dance Club Play Chart.
In addition, Hudson was invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on June 18 along with 115 other individuals for 2007.[11][12]
[edit] Academy Awards
Jennifer won an Academy Award for her work as Effie White in the film version of Dreamgirls at the 79th Annual Academy Awards. The following year, at the 80th Annual Academy Awards she presented the award for best supporting actor to Javier Bardem.
[edit] Further acting projects
In September 2007, Hudson began work on Sex and the City: The Movie , as Louise, Carrie Bradshaw's assistant. Filming finished in December 2007 and the movie premiered on 30 May 2008.[13] In 2008, Hudson is scheduled to appear as Kathy Archenault in Winged Creatures, a film based on the novel by Roy Freirich, with Forest Whitaker, Guy Pearce, Kate Beckinsale, Dakota Fanning, Josh Hutcherson, and Jackie Earl Haley. In January 2008 Jennifer began filming her fourth film The Secret Life of Bees as Rosalene, 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.
[edit] Recording career
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 3rd 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 album. She also performed the song "Easy To Be Hard" on the Actors' Fund benefit recording of the musical Hair and she is featured on Ne-Yo's second album Because of You on the track "Leaving Tonight". Hudson has also recorded a new song with rapper Papoose, titled "Special."
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 signed with Arista.[14] On the Oprah Show, Hudson announced plans to enter the studio in March 2007. Hudson said on the Tyra Banks Show on February 23, 2007 that she just finished the first song for the album. Hudson also recorded a song called "Stand Up" which was available for on her fan website to purchase and is now able to be previewed on her myspace.
[edit] Jennifer Hudson
In November 2006, Hudson signed a record deal with Arista Records and is currently working on her debut album and has recently finished recording one song entitled "Depreciate."[15]
In January 2008, it was announced that Hudson would be returning 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 will be working with Ryan Tedder and Timbaland on a number of songs.[16]
During an interview in May 2008, Hudson confirmed that her debut album, which will be self titled, would be released on 30 September 2008 under the Arista Records label. She also announced that later this month her debut single "Spotlight" would be released in order to promote her debut album. The song leaked on May 16, 2008 and can be listened on video hosting site YouTube.[17] The first single, "Spotlight," will impact U.S. radio outlets on June 9 and be available for sale via digital outlets the following day. "Spotlight" was written by Ne-Yo, who co-produced along with Stargate. Additional contributors on the album include Timbaland, Robin Thicke, the Underdogs, Diane Warren and Christopher "Tricky" Stewart, among others.[18] She has performed the song "All Dressed In Love" for the Sex and the City: The Movie soundtrack, which is due for release on 27 May 2008.[19]
[edit] Personal life
Hudson has been dating James Payton since 1999 when she was 18. They both hail from Chicago. When asked if they had any plans to marry, Hudson declared that "we are happy with the place we are right now, but perhaps we will tie the knot someday. One thing's for sure, I definitely won't be popping the question!".[20]
[edit] Discography
| Year | Album | Chart positions | |
|---|---|---|---|
| US | UW | ||
| 2006 | Dreamgirls: Soundtrack | 1 | 7 |
| 2008 | Jennifer Hudson | TBA | TBA |
[edit] Singles
| Year | Single | Album | Chart positions | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US] | U.S. R&B | Pop 100 | UK | |||
| 2007 | "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" | Dreamgirls: Soundtrack | 60 | 14 | — | — |
| 2008 | "Spotlight" | Jennifer Hudson | — | 51 | — | — |
| 2008 | All Dressed in Love | Sex and the City: The Movie soundtrack | — | — | — | 72 |
[edit] Filmography
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Dreamgirls | Effie White | Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress |
| 2008 | Sex and the City: The Movie | Louise | |
| 2008 | The Secret Life of Bees | Rosaleen Daise | to be released October 17[21] |
| 2008 | Winged Creatures | Kathy Archenault | awaiting release |
[edit] Awards and nominations
| Year | Presenter | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | ShoWest | Female Star of Tomorrow | Won |
| Satellite Awards | Best Actress in a Supporting Role | Won | |
| National Board of Review | Best Female Breakthrough Performance | Won (tied with Rinko Kikuchi) | |
| Los Angeles Film Critics Association | Best Supporting Actress | Runner-Up | |
| New York Film Critics Circle | Best Supporting Actress | Won | |
| New York Film Critics Online | Best Supporting Actress | Won (tied with Catherine O'Hara) | |
| 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 | Runner Up |
| 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 Globes | Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture | Won | |
| Screen Actors Guild | Best Supporting Actress | Won | |
| NAACP Image Awards | Best Supporting Actress in a Movie | Won | |
| BAFTA | 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 R&B Artist | Nominated | |
| Best Actress | Won | ||
| Best New Artist | Won | ||
| Teen Choice Awards | Choice Movie Actress: Drama | Won | |
| Choice Movie Actress (Breakout) | Nominated | ||
| Vibe Music Awards | VHollywood Award | Nominated |
}}
| Awards | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Rachel Weisz for The Constant Gardener |
Academy Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role 2006 for Dreamgirls |
Succeeded by Tilda Swinton for Michael Clayton |
| Preceded by Rachel Weisz for The Constant Gardener |
Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress - Motion Picture 2007 for Dreamgirls |
Succeeded by Cate Blanchett for I'm Not There |
| Preceded by Rachel Weisz for The Constant Gardener |
Screen Actors Guild Award for Best Supporting Actress - Motion Picture 2006 for Dreamgirls |
Succeeded by Ruby Dee for American Gangster |
| Preceded by Thandie Newton for Crash |
BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for Dreamgirls 2007 |
Succeeded by Tilda Swinton for Michael Clayton |
[edit] See also
- List of Academy Award records
- List of African-American firsts
- List of artists who reached number one on the U.S. Dance chart
- List of Black Academy Award winners and nominees
- List of number-one dance hits (United States)
- List of oldest and youngest Academy Award winners and nominees
[edit] References
- ^ Jennifer Hudson brings truth, clarity to 'Dreamgirls' role
- ^ For Oscar nominee Jennifer Hudson, all roads lead back to church: 'I don't do clubs'
- ^ "Dreamgirls Star Hudson Dreams Of Houston Duet", TeenMusic.com, 2007-02-07. Retrieved on 2007-09-11.
- ^ http://www.americanidol.com/contestants/season3/jennifer_hudson/
- ^ http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-31581002_ITM
- ^ Nepales, Ruben V.. "Golden Globe winners have ties, memories of RP", Inquirer.net, 2007-01-17. Retrieved on 2007-09-11.
- ^ "Hudson Makes History with 'Vogue' Cover", Hollywood.com, 2007-02-13. Retrieved on 2007-09-11.
- ^ YouTube.com Retrieved on 05-08-07
- ^ Wloszczyna, Susan. "'Idol' finalist Hudson lands lead in 'Dreamgirls' film", USA Today, 2005-11-16. Retrieved on 2007-09-11.
- ^ "'Dreamgirl' Jennifer Hudson Wins Oscar", NewsMax.com, 2007-02-26. Retrieved on 2007-09-11.
- ^ "Film Academy Invites 115 New Members", Associated Press, 2007-07-19. Retrieved on 2007-09-11.
- ^ "Academy Invites 115 to Become Members", Oscars.org, 2007-06-18. Retrieved on 2007-09-11.
- ^ Simmons, Leslie. "Hudson moves to 'Sex and the City' movie", The Hollywood Reporter, 2007-09-11. Retrieved on 2007-09-11.
- ^ "Jennifer Hudson sings 'Over It'", September 7, 2005. Retrieved on 2006-07-09.
- ^ WINDSWEPT SONGS RECORDED
- ^ Jennifer Hudson Reworks Album
- ^ http://nl.youtube.com/watch?v=sPgwl9sFeNA
- ^ http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003805070
- ^ http://www.blackfilm.com/20080502/features/jenniferhudson.shtml
- ^ Barbara Walters' Oscar Special, 2007
- ^ Arista Records single press release, May 19, 2008
[edit] External links
- Official Dreamgirls site
- Jennifer Hudson at the Internet Movie Database
- Jennifer Hudson at MySpace
- KnightattheMovies.com interview with Jennifer Hudson
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