History of Jennifer Hudson in Timeline

Jennifer Hudson, nicknamed J.Hud, is a highly acclaimed American singer and actress. She achieved EGOT status (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony Awards) in 2022, making her the youngest woman and third African-American to accomplish this feat. Hudson was inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2013 and recognized by Time as one of the world's 100 most influential people in 2020, highlighting her significant impact across music, film, television, and theater.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

September 12, 1981: Jennifer Hudson's Birth

On September 12, 1981, Jennifer Kate Hudson, nicknamed J.Hud, was born in the United States.

Others born on this day/year

1999: High School Graduation

In 1999, Jennifer Hudson graduated from Dunbar Vocational High School in Englewood.

1999: Began Dating James Payton

In 1999, Jennifer Hudson, then 18, began dating James Payton.

January 2002: First Recording Contract

In January 2002, Jennifer Hudson signed her first recording contract with Righteous Records, an independent record label based in Chicago.

April 6, 2004: American Idol Top 9 Performance

On April 6, 2004, Jennifer Hudson received the highest number of votes in the "Top 9" of American Idol after performing Elton John's "Circle of Life".

2004: American Idol Finalist

In 2004, Jennifer Hudson rose to fame as a finalist on the third season of American Idol, placing seventh overall.

2004: Release from Righteous Records

In 2004, Jennifer Hudson was released from her five-year contract with Righteous Records to appear on American Idol.

November 2005: Cast in Dreamgirls

In November 2005, Jennifer Hudson was cast in the role of Effie White for the film adaptation of the musical Dreamgirls.

January 9, 2006: Filming of Dreamgirls Begins

On January 9, 2006, filming of Dreamgirls began, marking Jennifer Hudson's debut screen performance.

September 2006: "Over It" Performance

In September 2006, Jennifer Hudson performed the song "Over It" live on Fox Chicago Morning News.

November 2006: Record Deal with Arista Records

In November 2006, Jennifer Hudson signed a record deal with Arista Records.

December 25, 2006: Dreamgirls Limited Release

On December 25, 2006, Dreamgirls went into limited release, marking Jennifer Hudson's debut screen performance.

2006: Awards for Dreamgirls Role

In 2006, Jennifer Hudson garnered 29 awards from film critics for Best Supporting Actress and Breakthrough Performer for her role as Effie White in Dreamgirls.

2006: Film Debut in Dreamgirls

In 2006, Jennifer Hudson made her film debut as Effie White in the musical Dreamgirls, earning her the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.

January 12, 2007: Dreamgirls National Release

On January 12, 2007, Dreamgirls had its national release, marking Jennifer Hudson's debut screen performance.

February 11, 2007: BAFTA Award

On February 11, 2007, the 60th British Academy Film Awards were held in London, but Jennifer Hudson was not there to accept her BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role.

February 25, 2007: Academy Award Win

On February 25, 2007, Jennifer Hudson won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Dreamgirls.

March 2007: "Jennifer Hudson Day" in Chicago

In March 2007, the mayor of Chicago, Richard M. Daley, declared March 6 as "Jennifer Hudson Day". Also in March 2007, Jennifer Hudson became the third African-American celebrity and the first African-American singer to grace the cover of Vogue magazine.

December 2007: Filming finished for Sex and the City

In December 2007, filming finished for Sex and the City, in which Jennifer Hudson played Louise, Carrie Bradshaw's assistant.

2007: Planned Debut Album Release

In 2007, Jennifer Hudson planned to release her debut album; however, this was before she was signed to a record label.

2007: Signed by Clive Davis

In 2007, Jennifer Hudson was signed by Clive Davis who believed her to be the strongest candidate as the next generation's Aretha Franklin and Whitney Houston.

2007: Separation from James Payton

In late 2007, Jennifer Hudson separated from James Payton.

January 2008: Return to the Studio

In January 2008, Jennifer Hudson returned to the studio to record new songs for her debut studio album.

May 2008: Release of Sex and the City Movie

In May 2008, Jennifer Hudson appeared in the film Sex and the City as Louise, Carrie Bradshaw's assistant. The movie was released on May 30, 2008.

May 27, 2008: "All Dressed in Love" Release

On May 27, 2008, Jennifer Hudson performed the song, "All Dressed in Love" for the Sex and the City soundtrack, which was released on May 27, 2008.

May 30, 2008: Release of Sex and the City Movie

On May 30, 2008, Jennifer Hudson appeared in the film Sex and the City as Louise, Carrie Bradshaw's assistant. The movie was released on May 30, 2008.

June 10, 2008: Release of "Spotlight"

On June 10, 2008, Jennifer Hudson released her debut single, "Spotlight", which became her first top 40 hit.

September 2008: Engagement to David Otunga

In September 2008, Jennifer Hudson became engaged to David Otunga, a professional wrestler and Harvard Law graduate.

September 30, 2008: Jennifer Hudson Album Release

On September 30, 2008, Jennifer Hudson's debut studio album, Jennifer Hudson, was released on Arista.

October 2008: The Secret Life of Bees Release

In October 2008, Jennifer Hudson made her third film appearance in The Secret Life of Bees as Rosaleen. The film opened on October 17, 2008.

October 2008: Rescheduling of Second Single

In October 2008, the second single from Jennifer Hudson's album was originally set to be "My Heart" before "If This Isn't Love" was chosen.

October 17, 2008: The Secret Life of Bees Release

On October 17, 2008, Jennifer Hudson made her third film appearance in The Secret Life of Bees as Rosaleen. The film opened on October 17, 2008.

October 24, 2008: Family Tragedy

On October 24, 2008, Jennifer Hudson's mother, Darnell Donerson, and her brother, Jason Hudson, were found murdered at Donerson's home. Her nephew, Julian King, was reported missing, triggering an AMBER Alert.

2008: Grammy Award for "Love You I Do"

In 2008, "Love You I Do" won the Grammy Award for Best Song Written for a Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media.

2008: Roles in Sex and the City and The Secret Life of Bees

In 2008, Jennifer Hudson acted in the film Sex and the City, and The Secret Life of Bees.

2008: Debut Album Release

In 2008, Jennifer Hudson released her self-titled debut studio album with Arista Records, which peaked at number two on the Billboard 200.

January 2009: Rescheduling of "If This Isn't Love" Release

In January 2009, Jennifer Hudson's label decided to postpone the release of the second single, "If This Isn't Love", choosing a February 2009 release date.

January 2009: People's Choice Awards for The Secret Life of Bees

In January 2009, The Secret Life of Bees, starring Jennifer Hudson, won two People's Choice Awards.

February 2009: Sang the Star-Spangled Banner at Super Bowl XLIII

In February 2009, Jennifer Hudson made her first public appearance since the murders of her mother, brother, and nephew when she sang the Star-Spangled Banner at Super Bowl XLIII.

February 2009: "If This Isn't Love" Release Date

In February 2009, Jennifer Hudson released "If This Isn't Love".

April 2009: "Pocketbook" Release

In April 2009, Jennifer Hudson planned the release of the third single "Pocketbook" featuring Ludacris in April 2009, for a June 2009 release.

May 2009: Fundraiser Appearance with Barack Obama

In May 2009, Jennifer Hudson appeared with former President Barack Obama at a fundraiser in Beverly Hills.

May 2009: "Pocketbook" Release Canceled

In May 2009, Jennifer Hudson's "Pocketbook" release was canceled as the third single due to negative reception from fans and critics alike.

May 2009: MTV's Greatest American Idol Contestants

In May 2009, MTV listed Jennifer Hudson as the sixth greatest contestant in American Idol history.

May 2009: Throat Fatigue and Tour Rescheduling

In early May 2009, Jennifer Hudson suffered "throat fatigue" which caused her to reschedule her May 16–19, 2009, tour dates.

June 2, 2009: "Giving Myself" Release

On June 2, 2009, Jennifer Hudson's third single was then rescheduled as "Giving Myself" and was released on June 2, 2009, to the US.

June 2009: "Pocketbook" Release Postponed

In June 2009, Jennifer Hudson had a plan of "Pocketbook" featuring Ludacris in April 2009, for a June 2009 release

July 2009: Performed at Michael Jackson Memorial Service

In July 2009, Jennifer Hudson sang "Will You Be There" at the Michael Jackson memorial service.

August 4, 2009: Release of Fragments on DVD

On August 4, 2009, Fragments, a film starring Jennifer Hudson, was released on DVD.

August 2009: Jennifer Hudson Album Sales

As of August 2009, Jennifer Hudson's debut album had sold 739,000 copies in the US, receiving a Gold certification.

August 2009: Birth of Son

In August 2009, Jennifer Hudson gave birth to her first child, a son named David Daniel Otunga Jr.

December 2009: Jennifer Hudson: I'll Be Home for Christmas Special

In December 2009, Jennifer Hudson performed in a Christmas special called Jennifer Hudson: I'll Be Home for Christmas, filmed in Chicago.

January 22, 2010: Performed on "Hope for Haiti Now" Telethon

On January 22, 2010, Jennifer Hudson appeared on the telethon "Hope for Haiti Now: A Global Benefit for Earthquake Relief," performing The Beatles' "Let it Be."

January 26, 2010: "Hope for Haiti Now" Donations

As of January 26, 2010, the "Hope for Haiti Now" telecast, where Jennifer Hudson performed, generated $61 million in donations for earthquake relief.

May 2010: Los Angeles Times' Greatest American Idol Contestants

In May 2010, the Los Angeles Times claimed Jennifer Hudson to be the third greatest Idol contestant in the history of the show.

2010: Weight Watchers Spokesperson

In 2010, Jennifer Hudson became the spokesperson for Weight Watchers, having lost 56 pounds.

2010: Filming of Winnie Mandela

In 2010, Jennifer Hudson started filming the biopic film Winnie Mandela.

January 24, 2011: Premiered "Where You At" Single

On January 24, 2011, Jennifer Hudson premiered the album's lead single "Where You At", written by R. Kelly and produced by Harvey Mason, Jr.

February 3, 2011: "Where You At" Debuts on Billboard Chart

On February 3, 2011, due to radio adds, Jennifer Hudson's single "Where You At" debuted on the US Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart at number 53.

February 10, 2011: Revealed 80-Pound Weight Loss on Oprah

On February 10, 2011, Jennifer Hudson revealed on The Oprah Winfrey Show that she had lost a total of 80 pounds.

February 2011: "Where You At" Music Video Premiere

In February 2011, Jennifer Hudson premiered the music video for "Where You At" on BET's 106 & Park and through Vevo.

March 22, 2011: Released "I Remember Me" Album

On March 22, 2011, Jennifer Hudson released her second studio album I Remember Me, which debuted at number two on the Billboard 200.

April 22, 2011: BAFTA Award Received

On April 22, 2011, Jennifer Hudson finally received her BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role on the Graham Norton Show.

May 2011: "No One Gonna Love You" Impacts Radio

In May 2011, Jennifer Hudson's song "No One Gonna Love You" impacted on Urban adult contemporary radio in the United States.

July 2011: "No One Gonna Love You-The Remixes" Released

In July 2011, Jennifer Hudson released a remix bundle, "No One Gonna Love You-The Remixes", as a digital download in the US and the UK.

December 2011: Original Release Date for Winnie Mandela

In December 2011, Winnie Mandela was originally scheduled to be released.

2011: Residency in Burr Ridge, Illinois

As of 2011, Jennifer Hudson resided in Burr Ridge, Illinois, a western suburb of Chicago.

2011: Role in Winnie Mandela

In 2011, Jennifer Hudson acted in the film Winnie Mandela.

2011: "I Remember Me" Album Release

In 2011, Jennifer Hudson's second studio album, "I Remember Me", peaked within the top ten of the Billboard 200.

February 12, 2012: Tribute to Whitney Houston at Grammy Awards

The day after Whitney Houston's death, on February 12, 2012, Jennifer Hudson paid tribute to her by singing Houston's "I Will Always Love You" during the 54th Grammy Awards.

July 2012: William Balfour Sentenced

In July 2012, William Balfour was sentenced to three life sentences without parole, plus 120 years, for the murders of Jennifer Hudson's mother, brother, and nephew.

2012: Appearance in Smash

In 2012, Jennifer Hudson appeared in the show Smash.

2012: Autobiography Release: I Got This

In 2012, Jennifer Hudson's autobiography, I Got This: How I Changed My Ways and Lost What Weighed Me Down, was released, detailing her weight loss journey.

September 6, 2013: Release of Winnie Mandela

On September 6, 2013, Image Entertainment released the film Winnie Mandela, starring Jennifer Hudson.

September 21, 2013: Released "I Can't Describe (The Way I Feel)"

On September 21, 2013, Jennifer Hudson released a new single, "I Can't Describe (The Way I Feel)", featuring T.I.

October 2013: Starred in "The Inevitable Defeat of Mister & Pete" and "Black Nativity"

In October 2013, Jennifer Hudson starred in the coming-of-age drama The Inevitable Defeat of Mister & Pete alongside Jordin Sparks, as well as the drama/musical Black Nativity.

November 13, 2013: Awarded Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame

On November 13, 2013, Jennifer Hudson was awarded with the 2,512th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

2013: Role in Black Nativity

In 2013, Jennifer Hudson acted in the film Black Nativity.

2013: Sang "America the Beautiful" at Super Bowl XLVII

In 2013, Jennifer Hudson sang "America the Beautiful" with the Sandy Hook Elementary School chorus at Super Bowl XLVII.

2013: Hollywood Walk of Fame Induction

In 2013, Jennifer Hudson was inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

September 23, 2014: Released "JHUD" Album

On September 23, 2014, Jennifer Hudson's third studio album, JHUD, was released.

2014: "JHUD" Album Release

In 2014, Jennifer Hudson's third studio album, "JHUD", was released by RCA Records and peaked within the top ten of the Billboard 200.

February 4, 2015: Performed "Trouble" on The Tonight Show

On February 4, 2015, Jennifer Hudson and Iggy Azalea performed "Trouble" together for the first time on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.

February 2015: Released "Trouble" with Iggy Azalea

In February 2015, Jennifer Hudson released "Trouble" with Iggy Azalea, their second collaboration.

2015: Broadway Debut in The Color Purple

In 2015, Jennifer Hudson acted in the Broadway musical revival The Color Purple.

2015: Appearance in Empire

In 2015, Jennifer Hudson appeared in the show Empire.

2015: Guest Starred in "Empire"

In 2015, Jennifer Hudson guest-starred as Michelle White in the first season of Empire, singing three songs on the show.

2015: Nominated for Best R&B Vocal Performance at the Grammy Awards

In 2015, Jennifer Hudson's track "It's Your World" featuring R. Kelly was nominated for Best R&B Vocal Performance at the Grammy Awards.

June 2016: Performed "Purple Rain" at BET Awards

In June 2016, Jennifer Hudson performed Prince's "Purple Rain" on the BET Awards.

June 28, 2016: Signed with Epic Records

On June 28, 2016, Jennifer Hudson signed with Epic Records, marking a reunion for L.A. Reid and Clive Davis.

December 2016: Played Motormouth Maybelle in Hairspray Live!

In December 2016, Jennifer Hudson played Motormouth Maybelle in NBC's Hairspray Live!, receiving Emmy buzz for her performance of "I Know Where I've Been".

December 21, 2016: Voiced Nana Noodleman in Sing

On December 21, 2016, Jennifer Hudson voiced the younger version of Nana Noodleman in the Illumination Entertainment film, Sing, singing The Beatles' "Golden Slumbers/Carry That Weight".

2016: Roles in Sing and Confirmation

In 2016, Jennifer Hudson acted in the film Sing and appeared in the show Confirmation.

March 3, 2017: Released "Remember Me"

On March 3, 2017, Jennifer Hudson released her song "Remember Me".

April 2017: Starred in Sandy Wexler and Debuted as Coach on The Voice UK

In April 2017, Jennifer Hudson starred as singer Courtney Clarke in the film, Sandy Wexler and debuted as a coach on the sixth season of The Voice UK.

November 2017: Separation from David Otunga

In November 2017, it was announced that Jennifer Hudson and David Otunga had separated after over 10 years together.

December 12, 2017: Released "Burden Down" and Performed "Remember Me" Live

On December 12, 2017, Jennifer Hudson released a new song, "Burden Down" and performed "Remember Me" live for the first time on The Voice.

2017: The Voice UK Coach

From 2017 to 2019, Jennifer Hudson served as a coach on both the UK and US versions of the reality series The Voice.

2017: Grammy for Best Musical Theater Album

In 2017, Jennifer Hudson won her second career Grammy for Best Musical Theater Album for her work on The Color Purple.

January 6, 2018: The Voice UK Premiere

On January 6, 2018, Jennifer Hudson returned for her second series as a coach to The Voice UK.

January 27, 2018: Chosen to Portray Aretha Franklin in Biopic

On January 27, 2018, Clive Davis disclosed that Aretha Franklin had handpicked Jennifer Hudson to portray her in an eventual biopic.

March 24, 2018: Performed at March for Our Lives Rally

On March 24, 2018, Jennifer Hudson performed with the D.C. Choir at the March for Our Lives anti-gun violence rally in Washington, D.C.

2019: The Voice US Coach

From 2017 to 2019, Jennifer Hudson served as a coach on both the UK and US versions of the reality series The Voice.

2019: Cast as Grizabella in Cats Film Adaptation

In 2019, Jennifer Hudson was cast as the Cats character Grizabella in the film adaptation.

March 2020: Collaborated on "#SING4LIFE"

In March 2020, Jennifer Hudson collaborated with Bono, Will.i.am, and Yoshiki to create "#SING4LIFE", a song to lift spirits during the COVID-19 crisis.

2020: Time 100 Most Influential People

In 2020, Time magazine recognized Jennifer Hudson as one of the 100 most influential people in the world.

June 2021: Release of "Here I Am (Singing My Way Home)"

In June 2021, Jennifer Hudson released "Here I Am (Singing My Way Home)" as the lead single for the Respect soundtrack.

July 20, 2021: Interviewed by Oprah Winfrey About "Respect"

On July 20, 2021, Jennifer Hudson was interviewed by Oprah Winfrey about her role as Aretha Franklin in the film, Respect.

August 2021: Release of "Respect" Film

In August 2021, the Aretha Franklin biopic, Respect, starring Jennifer Hudson, was released.

August 19, 2021: Jennifer Hudson - Live at the Apollo: A Night of Soul

On August 19, 2021, Jennifer Hudson performed a show at the Apollo Theater called Jennifer Hudson - Live at the Apollo: A Night of Soul.

September 2021: Daytime Emmy Award for Baba Yaga

In September 2021, Jennifer Hudson won a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Interactive Media for a Daytime Program for being an executive producer for Baba Yaga.

2021: Portrayal of Aretha Franklin

In 2021, Jennifer Hudson portrayed Aretha Franklin in the musical biopic Respect.

2021: Prospective Biopic Release Date

In 2021, the prospective release date for the Aretha Franklin biopic starring Jennifer Hudson was set.

February 2022: NAACP Image Awards Win

In February 2022, Jennifer Hudson won Entertainer of the Year and Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture at the NAACP Image Awards for her role as Aretha Franklin in "Respect".

May 2022: Tony Award Nomination

In May 2022, Jennifer Hudson was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Musical as a producer for "A Strange Loop".

June 12, 2022: EGOT Status Achieved

On June 12, 2022, at the 75th Tony Awards, Jennifer Hudson achieved EGOT status, becoming one of the few individuals to win an Oscar, Emmy, Grammy, and Tony Award.

September 12, 2022: The Jennifer Hudson Show Launch

On September 12, 2022, Jennifer Hudson's syndicated talk show, "The Jennifer Hudson Show," premiered.

2022: EGOT Status

In 2022, Jennifer Hudson achieved EGOT status, becoming the youngest woman and third African-American to win an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award.

2022: Tony Award for A Strange Loop

In 2022, Jennifer Hudson won the Tony Award for Best Musical as a producer of A Strange Loop.

2022: Began Dating Common

In 2022, while working on the film Breathe, Jennifer Hudson began dating rapper Common.

January 2024: Relationship Confirmation

In January 2024, Jennifer Hudson and Common confirmed their relationship with a joint appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show.

October 18, 2024: Christmas Album and Tour

On October 18, 2024, Jennifer Hudson released her first Christmas album, "The Gift of Love," and embarked on "The Gift of Love: An Intimate Live Experience" tour in the United States.

2024: "Trouble" music video

As of 2024, Jennifer Hudson's "Trouble" music video featuring Iggy Azalea gained 112 million views, making it Jennifer’s first 100 million and most viewed video on that platform.

2024: "The Gift of Love" Album Release

In 2024, Jennifer Hudson released her fourth and first Christmas album, "The Gift of Love", with Interscope, marking her first solo project in a decade.