Jennifer Hudson

After singing for a year on a Disney cruise ship, Jennifer Hudson auditioned for the third season of FOX's "American Idol" in 2004. As a finalist, she gained exposure and a fan base, then all but disappeared from the limelight after she was eliminated from the show. Controversy ensued over her departure as she was recognized by legions as an outstanding vocalist who could out-sing other contestants.

In 2005, Hudson beat out hundreds of competitors to win the role of Effie White in the film adaptation of the Broadway musical "Dreamgirls." Her scene-stealing performance, including an unforgettable, rapturous rendition of "And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going," earned the young singer a Golden Globe and an Oscar in the supporting actress categories.

Jennifer Hudson continued her film work by appearing in the hit movie "Sex in the City," playing Louise, the electronically savvy assistant to Carrie Bradshaw. Hudson then starred in "The Secret Life of Bees" in October of 2008 along with Queen Latifah, Alicia Keys and Sophie Okonedo.

In September of 2008, Hudson also released her self-titled debut album, which went on to win a Grammy for Best R&B Album.

In the spring of 2011, she released her sophomore album, I Remember Me, which featured production and songwriting from the likes of Alicia Keys, Diane Warren and R. Kelly.

Hudson has also become a spokesperson for Weight Watchers and published the 2012 book "I Got This: How I Changed My Ways and Lost What Weighed Me Down." She’s started her own clothing line and contributed to the soundtrack for "Think Like a Man" while continuing to star in film projects as well.

In 2013, Hudson appeared as a reoccurring guest star on the television musical series "Smash."

In 2013, she received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. From 2017 until 2019, Hudson has contributed as a coach on The Voice UK and The Voice, becoming the first female coach to win the UK edition.

Hudson was cast as the Cats character Grizabella in the film adaptation, which was released in 2019

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

Throughout her career, Hudson has received various accolades for both her music and acting, including an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, a Daytime Emmy Award, and two Grammy Awards. Time magazine named her one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2020.