Jennifer Hudson

Jennifer Kate Hudson was born on September 12, 1981, in Chicago, Illinois. She grew up singing in a church choir and performing at community events. Hudson's early interest in music was influenced by iconic performers like Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, and Patti LaBelle. She attended Dunbar Vocational High School, where she began honing her vocal talent.

Jennifer Hudson gained national attention as a finalist on the third season of 'American Idol' in 2004, where she finished in seventh place. Her powerful voice and memorable performances made a significant impression on audiences, even though she did not win the competition. Her elimination was considered controversial by many fans and critics.

Jennifer Hudson made her film debut in the 2006 movie 'Dreamgirls', in which she played the role of Effie White. Her performance received widespread acclaim from critics and audiences alike. Hudson's powerful rendition of 'And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going' became a showstopper, earning her numerous awards, including the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.

Jennifer Hudson released her self-titled debut album, 'Jennifer Hudson', on October 24, 2008. The album was a commercial success and received positive reviews from music critics. It featured hit singles like 'Spotlight', showcasing her vocal talent and versatility. The album earned Hudson her first Grammy Award for Best R&B Album.

Jennifer Hudson won the Grammy Award for Best R&B Album at the 51st Annual Grammy Awards in 2009 for her debut album 'Jennifer Hudson'. This achievement marked a significant milestone in her music career, cementing her status as a talented and respected artist in the music industry. The album's success was celebrated by fans and critics alike.

Jennifer Hudson released her second studio album, 'I Remember Me', on March 22, 2011. The album debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 chart and received generally positive reviews from music critics. It featured tracks that highlighted Hudson's powerful voice and emotional depth, further establishing her as a leading voice in contemporary R&B.

Jennifer Hudson gave a heartfelt tribute to Whitney Houston at the 54th Annual Grammy Awards on February 12, 2012, just one day after Houston's untimely passing. Hudson performed 'I Will Always Love You' in honor of the late singer. Her moving performance was widely praised as a fitting and emotional homage to one of her musical idols.

In 2013, Jennifer Hudson starred in the film 'The Inevitable Defeat of Mister & Pete', playing the role of Gloria. The movie was directed by George Tillman Jr. and received positive reviews from critics. Hudson's performance was praised for its depth and authenticity, showcasing her talent not only as a singer but also as a dramatic actress.

Jennifer Hudson made her Broadway debut in the revival of 'The Color Purple' in 2015, where she played the role of Shug Avery. Her performance was met with critical acclaim, and she was nominated for the Drama League Award for Distinguished Performance. Hudson's transition to Broadway demonstrated her versatility and range as a performer.

Jennifer Hudson performed the song "I'll Fight" from the documentary "RBG" at the 91st Academy Awards in 2019. The performance was part of the ceremony’s celebrated tradition of featuring live renditions of the nominated songs. Hudson's powerful vocal delivery captivated the audience, further affirming her status as one of the most talented vocalists in the industry.