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Biography
Growing up listening to the likes of Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin and Patti LaBelle, Hudson’s excursion into her own musical creativity came singing in her local church choir in Chicago, Illinois, U.S. In 2002 the singer subsequently signed a recording contract with Righteous Records, who ultimately freed Hudson of her contract in 2004 in order for her to appear on the third season of American Idol. After singing Elton John’s “Circle of Life”, and Barry Manilow’s “Weekend in New England” on the show, Hudson had a shock exit from the programme, however gained a significant amount of exposure and proved popular with fans.
In 2005 Hudson was cast as Effie White for the film adaptation of the musical production of “Dreamgirls” over American Idol winner Fantasia Barrino. For her role the singer earned critical acclaim as well as an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, a Golden Globe Award, a BAFTA, and a Screen Actors Guild Award. The film’s show-stopping song “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” sung by Hudson later debuted at No. 98 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Following the surprise murder of her mother, brother and nephew by her brother-in-law, Hudson’s debut album was postponed, however finally surfaced in September 2008. The eponymously-titled debut, aided by the popular single “Spotlight” debuted at No. Two on the Billboard 200, featuring guest contributions from Missy Elliot, Robin Thicke, and Timbaland. Hudson’s sophomore album “Remember Me” was issued by Arista Records in March 2011. Once again debuting at No. Two, the album was led by the R.Kelly penned single “Where You At?”, and was notably more upbeat than its predecessor.
Not content to focus solely on her music, Hudon continued to appear in high-profile films including 2008’s “Sex and the City” and “The Secret Life of Bees”, 2009’s “Fragments”, and 2011’s “Winnie Mandela”. After appearances at the 2012 Grammy Awards, the Super Bowl XLVII, and 85th Academy Awards, Hudson released the single “I Can’t Describe (The Way I Feel)” ahead of her third full-length album. “JHUD” arrived in 2014 featuring the contributions of R. Kelly, Pharrell Williams and Timbaland, and reached No. 10 on the Billboard 200.
Live reviews
Jennifer Hudson is clear proof that you don’t need to win a singing competition to prove that you’re a star. The moment she stepped on the stage at the Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City, she carried an aura took me in and held me close throughout the entire set.
From singing the American National Anthem in packed stadiums to the smallest of clubs, it was obvious that the singer, actress and ‘American Idol’ alumna can take on any stage that she’s placed on. However the evening I saw her, she did something that not too many artists can do -- turn a packed 5,600 seater into the most intimate of jazz clubs. No matter where you sat in the theater, you felt like she was talking to you. Between songs, she would talk to the audience about love -- considering most of her tunes are about the topic -- as well as ambition and determination. I mean, let’s face it, she’s proof that dreams can come true.
And we can’t forget that voice. It’s one thing to hear it on a recording, but to witness the power of those vocal chords live is like a religious experience. She doesn’t just sing to you but her voice actually goes through you. Each and every lyric that leaves her lips on songs like "Bleed for Love" and "And I’m Telling You I’m Not Going," the 'Dreamgirls' song that put her on the map, can really bring tears to your eyes as it did mine. With a voice that has been compared to Whitney Houston, she also pays homage to the late songstress by performing at least one of her hits like "Saving All My Love." But of course, Jennifer is not only known for her ballads. She also has a couple of groove tracks that will lighten up the mood. Her newer track, “I Can’t Describe (The Way I Feel),” and “Spotlight,” off her self-titled 2008 record, will make you get up from your seat and sway your hips much in the same way she is doing on stage.
If you need a gig that makes you feel the music, just go to a Jennifer Hudson gig with some tissues, close your eyes and just hear her sing, "Why Is It So Hard?," and it’s honestly cathartic.
evtan
It is quite impossible to imagine that Jennifer Hudson received her break of sorts through a reality television programme. She simply oozes star quality and seems destined to be onstage, she interacts with a crowd like a complete natural and her warm personality emanates around the room.
Having achieved huge success with her recording career as well as proving to be a silver screen smash alongside Beyoncé in 'Dream Girls', she has a tricky job deciding what to select for her setlist. Her vocal sounds incredible, even stronger than the recordings and she lets it shine on the balladic 'Believe'. The applause received are deafening and Jennifer thanks the audience sincerely, looking slightly blown away by the whole situation.
She demonstrates more vocal versatility during pop centred numbers 'Spotlight' and 'If This Isn't Love' before she brings the house down with a spine chilling version of 'And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going'. A star who was well and truly arrived.
sean-ward
