Jennifer Hudson Biography: Jennifer Kate Hudson born September 12, 1981, popularly known as J.Hud, is an acclaimed American singer and actress. She has earned widespread recognition across music, film, television, and theater, becoming the youngest woman and only the third African-American to achieve the prestigious EGOT status (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Awards) in 2022. In 2013, she was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and in 2020, Time magazine named her one of the 100 most influential people in the world. Hudson first gained public attention as a finalist on the third season of American Idol in 2004, finishing in seventh place. She later signed with Arista Records and released her debut studio album, Jennifer Hudson, in 2008. The album peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 and won the Grammy Award for Best R&B Album.
Jennifer Hudson Biography
Jennifer Kate Hudson was born on September 12, 1981, in Chicago, Illinois, to Darnell Donerson (née Hudson) and Samuel Simpson. She is an Academy Award-winning actress, a Grammy-winning recording artist, and a best-selling author. Hudson stands as a prime example of how not winning American Idol doesn’t mark the end of a dream—but rather, can be the launchpad to an extraordinary career.
Jennifer Hudson Biography 2025 Details
| Born |
Jennifer Kate Hudson
September 12, 1981 Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
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|---|---|
| Other names | J.Hud |
| Education | Langston University Kennedy-King College |
| Occupations |
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| Years active | 2004–present |
| Works |
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| Partners | James Payton (1999–2007) David Otunga (2007–2017) Common (2022–present) |
| Children | 1 |
| Mother | Darnell Donerson |
| Category | Singers Bio |
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About Jennifer Hudson
Jennifer Kate Hudson, also known by her nickname J.Hud, is an American singer and actress. Having received numerous accolades for her work in music, film, television, and theater.
Jennifer Hudson Achievements
Hudson first gained recognition in 2004 as one of the finalists on the third season of American Idol, where she finished in seventh place. Raised singing in gospel choirs and performing in community theater, she also toured with Disney’s Hercules: The Musical and sang on cruise ships—all without any formal music training. Her powerful vocals earned praise from the show’s judges, and she, Fantasia Barrino, and La Toya London were famously dubbed the season’s “Dreamgirls.”
Jennifer Hudson Wiki
- Born: 12 September 1981 (age 43 years), Chicago, Illinois, United States
- Children: David Daniel Otunga Jr.
- Height: 1.75 m
- Awards: Grammy Award for Best R&B Album ·
- Nephew: Julian King
- Parents: Darnell Donerson, Samuel Simpson
Early life
Jennifer Hudson was born in Chicago, Illinois, as the youngest of three children to Darnell Donerson and Samuel Simpson, a bus driver for Greyhound Lines. She grew up alongside her older sister Julia and brother Jason, primarily under the care of their mother. Her father was not present during her early years, and at the age of 14—with her mother’s support—Hudson sought him out. Upon reconnecting, she discovered he had 26 other children, many of whom she has still never met.
Raised in the Englewood neighborhood, Hudson grew up in a Baptist household and graduated from Dunbar Vocational High School in 1999. She credits iconic singers like Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, and Patti LaBelle as major musical influences, and also considers Mariah Carey one of her musical heroes. Her passion for performing began at age seven, singing in the church choir and participating in local theater productions, often with the encouragement of her late maternal grandmother, Julia.
Jennifer Hudson Facts
Where does Jennifer Hudson live? And how much money does Jennifer Hudson earn?
| Birth Date | 12-9-1981 |
| Heritage/origin | American |
| Ethnicity | Afro-American |
| Religion – believes in God? | Christian |
| Residence | She owns a house in Burr Ridge, Chicago, Illinois, USA. |
Jennifer Hudson Net Worth 2025
| Estimated Net Worth | 30 million Dollar |
| Yearly Salary | N/A |
| Colleagues | Ne-Yo, Jennifer Nettles & James Corden |
| Management | Richard De La Font Agency |
Jennifer Hudson: Fiancé, Dating, Family & Friends
| Relationship status | Engaged (Since 12 September 2008) |
| Sexuality | Straight |
| Current Fiancé of Jennifer Hudson | David Otunga |
| Ex-boyfriends or ex-husbands | Kerry Rhodes, James Peyton |
| Expecting a baby? | She is not pregnant |
| Has any kids? | Yes, mother of: David Daniel Otunga Jr. (Son) |
Family
Names of father, mother, kids, brothers & sisters:
- Samuel Simpson (Father)
- Darnell Hudson (Mother)
- Julia Hudson (Sister)
- Jason Hudson (Brother)
- David Daniel Otunga Jr. (Son)
Friends
- Barack Obama
- Beyonce Knowles
Skin, Hair & Eye Color
This hot beautiful actress & musician originating from Chicago, Illinois, USA has a voluptuous body & round face type. Jennifer Hudson makes commercials for Weight Watchers, but actually uses: Christian Dior & Mac.
| Hair color | Black |
| Hair type | Wavy Swavy |
| Hair Length | short hair (ear length) |
| Hairstyle | bowl cut |
| Distinct feature | strong jawline |
| Makeup Style | glamorous |
| Skin Tone/Complexion | Type VI: Black brown skin |
| Skin Type | Normal |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Does Jennifer Hudson smoke? | No, never |
Height, Weight, Body Measurements, Tattoos & Style
| Height | 175 cm |
| Weight | 63 kilo |
| Clothing style | business |
| Favorite colors | black white yellow |
| Feet size | 9 |
| Dress size | M |
| Bra-size | 34C (36D) |
| Waist size | 71 |
| Buste size | 89 |
| Butt size | 91.5 |
| Does Jennifer Hudson have a tattoo? | No |
FAQs
What was Jennifer Hudson’s childhood like?
Jennifer Hudson grew up in the Englewood neighborhood of Chicago as the youngest of three siblings. Raised primarily by her mother, she started performing at the age of 7, singing in church choirs and doing community theater.
Who are Jennifer Hudson’s musical influences?
Hudson cites legendary artists like Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, and Patti LaBelle as her biggest influences. She has also named Mariah Carey as one of her musical heroes.
Where did Jennifer Hudson go to college?
Jennifer Hudson initially enrolled at Langston University but left after a semester due to homesickness. She later attended Kennedy–King College in Chicago.
How did Jennifer Hudson start her music career?
She signed her first recording contract in 2002 with a Chicago-based label, Righteous Records. She was later released from the contract to audition for American Idol in 2004.
Did Jennifer Hudson reconnect with her father?
Yes, Hudson sought out her father at the age of 14 with her mother’s blessing. She found out he had 26 other children, though she has not met all of them.
What inspired Jennifer Hudson to start singing?
Her early inspiration came from her late grandmother, Julia, who supported her in joining the church choir and community theater—sparking her love for performance at a young age.