Jennifer Kate Hudson, also known by her nickname J.Hud, is an American singer, actress, and talk show host. Throughout her career, she has received various accolades for her works in recorded music, film, television, and theater.
Jennifer Kate Hudson was born on September 12, 1981 in Chicago, Illinois. She was the youngest of three children and grew up singing gospel music in her local church. Hudson's mother taught her to sing, and she began performing at an early age. She attended Langston University and entered a talent competition that led to her being cast in the musical "Fame" on London's West End.
In 2004, Hudson participated in the third season of American Idol, where she placed seventh overall. After her time on the show, she signed with Arista Records and released her self-titled debut album in 2008. The album featured the hit single “Spotlight” and earned Hudson her first Grammy Award for Best R&B Album.
Hudson has also had success in film, making her debut in 2006's Dreamgirls with Beyoncé Knowles and Eddie Murphy. For this role, she won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress as well as Golden Globe and SAG Awards. Her other film credits include The Secret Life of Bees (2008), Winnie Mandela (2011), Sing (2016), and Cats (2019).
As a philanthropist, Hudson established the Julian D. King Gift Foundation in memory of her late nephew who was murdered in 2008 at the age of 7. The foundation provides resources to children from underprivileged backgrounds so they can get involved in music and sports programs. In 2012, Hudson received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for her contributions to music and acting.
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">1981</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Jennifer Hudson is Born</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">On September 12, 1981, Jennifer Hudson was born in Chicago, Illinois.</p></div>
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">2004</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Appears on American Idol</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">Appears as a contestant on the third season of American Idol and places seventh.</p></div>
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">2006</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Wins Academy Award</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">Wins an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in the movie Dreamgirls.</p></div>
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">2008</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Release of Debut Album</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">Releases her debut studio album titled Jennifer Hudson, which goes on to be certified platinum by the RIAA.</p></div>
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">2011</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Wins Grammy Award</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">Wins a Grammy Award for Best R&B Album for her second album I Remember Me.</p></div>
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">2013</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Star in The Voice UK</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">Becomes a coach alongside will.i.am, Danny O'Donoghue and Tom Jones on the first season of The Voice UK.</p></div>
<div id="" class="timeline-item"><p id="" class="timeline-year">2019</p><h3 id="" class="timeline-title">Release of Third Album</h3><p id="" class="timeline-text">Releases her third studio album titled JHUD, featuring the single "Remember Me".</p></div>
<div id="" class="whywelove-item"><h3 id="" class="whywelove-title"><span class="whywelove-leter">A.</span> She's an Inspiration</h3><p id="" class="whywelove-text">Jennifer Hudson is an inspiration to many. Her story of overcoming adversity and achieving success in the face of adversity is a reminder that anything is possible. Her music, acting, and philanthropy are all examples of how hard work and dedication can lead to great things.</p></div>
<div id="" class="whywelove-item"><h3 id="" class="whywelove-title"><span class="whywelove-leter">B.</span> She's an Amazing Singer</h3><p id="" class="whywelove-text">Jennifer Hudson is an amazing singer. She has a powerful voice that can bring a tear to your eye or make you get up and dance. Her ability to move between genres makes her a very versatile artist.</p></div>
<div id="" class="whywelove-item"><h3 id="" class="whywelove-title"><span class="whywelove-leter">C.</span> She Gives Back</h3><p id="" class="whywelove-text">Jennifer Hudson is an example of using her success for good. She uses her platform to speak out against injustice and works with various organizations to help those in need. Her dedication to giving back reminds us all that we should do our part to help others.</p></div>
<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">1.</span> Academy Award Winner</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">Jennifer Hudson is an Academy Award winner, having won the 2006 Best Supporting Actress award for her role in 'Dreamgirls'.</p></div>
<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">2.</span> Grammy Award Winner</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">Jennifer Hudson has won numerous awards throughout her career, including a Grammy Award for Best R&B Album for her self-titled album in 2009.</p></div>
<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">3.</span> Became a Weight Watchers Spokesperson</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">In 2010, Jennifer Hudson became the spokesperson for Weight Watchers and lost 80 lbs in the process.</p></div>
<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">4.</span> Broadway Debut in The Color Purple</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">Jennifer Hudson made her Broadway debut in 2015 in the revival of 'The Color Purple', where she was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Actress.</p></div>
<div id="" class="facts-item"><h3 id="" class="facts-title"><span class="facts-number">5.</span> Voice of Smurfette</h3><p id="" class="facts-text">In 2011, Jennifer Hudson lent her voice to the character of Smurfette in the animated film 'The Smurfs'. She reprised the role for the 2013 sequel.</p></div>