FriSep 12

Jennifer Hudson

Jennifer Kate Hudson is a famous American singer and actress born on September 12, 1981. Hudson is known for greatness in the music and film industry. Her career, which goes back to 2004 as a finalist on American Idol season three, has grown into something inspirational and exemplary. Hudson is a celebrated singer and actress who has got a chest of awards to validate her exceptional talents. It’s Hudson’s birthday today, so join us as we celebrate an icon, mother, and visionary.

Fast Facts

Full Name:

Jennifer Kate Hudson

Nickname:

J.Hud.

Birth date:

September 12, 1981

Age:

43

Zodiac Sign:

Virgo

Height:

5' 11"

Relationship Status:

Single

Net Worth:

$30 million

Jennifer's Social Media:

Background

Jennifer Kate Hudson is an American singer and actress with incredible talents, fame, and success. She was born on September 12, 1981, and her birthplace is Chicago, Illinois. Hudson is the youngest child of her parents and was raised Baptist. She grew up in Englewood and went to Dunbar Vocational High School, graduating in 1999. Hudson is of African-American descent and a Virgo by design. As a Christian, Hudson started singing in the church choir. She also did community theater and enrolled in Langston University. Hudson left after a semester and got admitted into Kennedy-King College.

Hudson signed her first recording contract in 2002. The label was called Righteous Records. The contract was to run for five years, but she got released from it to participate in the 2004 American Idol. This is where Hudson got her first glimpse of fame. She was famous right from the first time she appeared on stage. Hudson sang her heart out in every performance, and her heavy voice echoed in the auditorium. Hudson made it to the ‘Top 9’ position but got eliminated during the ‘Top 7’ show. In 2005, Hudson got cast as Effie White in “Dreamgirls” with Beyonce and Jamie Foxx. The film was released in January 2007 as her debut film appearance, and she aced it. For her role in “Dreamgirls,” Husdon received 29 Film Critics Awards, a Golden Globe Award, and an Academy Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role. The accolades for her performance were endless. In 2008, she released her debut single “Spotlight” after signing to Arista Records in 2006. Her eponymous debut studio album was out in September 2008.

Hudson made several more film appearances including “Sex and the City” (2008), “The Secret Life of Bees” (2008), “Fragments” (2009), “Winnie Mandela” (2013), “Empire: Season 1” (2015), and many more. Hudson made her Broadway debut the same year, playing Shug Avery in “The Color Purple.” She won her second Grammy for her musical work in this film. Hudson played Arethra Franklin in “Respect” (2021). She won a SAG Award and two NAACP awards for her film and music contributions to the film as she developed its soundtrack. Hudson has an enviable and inspirational career. Her success journey is monumental, and she has dominated the world onstage, off stage, and onscreen. Hudson’s personal life, on the other hand, is private. However, she dated James Payton from 1999 to 2007, met David Otunga, and got engaged to him in September 2008. Hudson has a child with Otunga, but the couple split in 2017.

Career timeline

2002
The Recording Contract

Hudson signs a five-year recording contract with Righteous Records.

2004
The American Idol Comptetition

Hudson competes in this talent show and gets to the top 10 finalists.

2007
The First Big Screen Debut

Hudson makes her debut screen appearance as Effie White in “Dreamgirls.”

2008
The Debut Studio Album

Hudson releases her debut studio album, “Jennifer Hudson.”

2013
The Third Studio Album

Hudson releases “JHUD.”

2015
The Broadway Debut

She makes her Broadway debut in “The Color Purple.”

Why We Love Jennifer Hudson

  1. She’s just amazing

    Hudson has the type of talent that cannot be measured or quantified. She is an adept singer and actress.

  2. She’s versatile

    Hudson excels as a singer and actress. Her talent is versatile, and she doesn’t hold back from new projects.

  3. She’s inspirational

    Hudson’s story is quite inspirational. She went from an average Chicago girl to a megastar. That’s the type of story that is worth telling.

5 Surprising Facts

  1. She won over the winner

    Hudson won the role of Effie White over several professional singers and actresses, including Fantasia Barrino, the American Idol Season Three winner.

  2. She made history in Vogue magazine

    Hudson became the first singer of African-American descent to grace the cover of “Vogue” magazine.

  3. She has a holiday

    In Chicago, March 6 is declared ‘Jennifer Hudson Day.’

  4. Her family was murdered

    Hudson’s mother, brother, and nephew were murdered by William Balfour, her sister’s estranged husband.

  5. She lost 80 pounds

    Hudson was a spokesperson for Weight Watchers and lost 80 pounds by 2011.

Jennifer Hudson FAQs

Are Beyonce and Jennifer Hudson friends?

Hudson and Beyonce have remained friends since “Dreamgirls.”

What did Simon Cowell say to Jennifer Hudson?

Cowell, who initially told Hudson that she was ‘out of her depth’ as an American Idol competitor, was forced to eat his words. He sent her a message congratulating her in advance for winning the Golden Globe Award for “Dreamgirls.”

Who is Jennifer Hudson’s son?

David Daniel Otunga Jr.

Jennifer Hudson’s birthday dates

Year Date Day
2025 September 12 Friday
2026 September 12 Saturday
2027 September 12 Sunday
2028 September 12 Tuesday
2029 September 12 Wednesday
September
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
 
 

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