On this page, you can get information about Jennifer Hudson Net Worth including her Biography, Age, and other details. Jennifer Hudson is an American singer-songwriter, actress, talk show host, and producer who has a net worth of $30 Million USD.
Who is Jennifer Hudson?
Jennifer Kate Hudson, also known by her nickname J.Hud, is an American singer-songwriter, actress, talk show host, and producer, born on September 12, 1981. She has received various accolades throughout her career for her work in recorded music, film, television, and theater.
Hudson is known for being the youngest woman and second African-American woman to receive all four of the major American entertainment awards, including the Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony (EGOT). She was also honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2013, and in 2020, Time named her one of the 100 most influential people in the world.
Hudson first gained fame as a finalist on the third season of American Idol in 2004, where she placed seventh. Her film debut came as Effie White in the musical Dreamgirls (2006), for which she won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, becoming the youngest African-American to win in a competitive acting category. Hudson released her self-titled debut studio album in 2008 after signing with Arista Records, and it was certified Gold in the US and UK. She also won the Grammy Award for Best R&B Album.
Jennifer Hudson Net Worth
Jennifer Hudson is a successful American recording artist, actress, and spokesperson with a net worth of $30 million dollars. She gained widespread recognition through her appearance on the competition series “American Idol,” where she was a frontrunner during the show’s third season. Unfortunately, she was unexpectedly booted off during the sixth week of the competition, with insiders attributing her elimination to a power outage in her native Chicago, which caused low vote counts.
| Name | Jennifer Hudson |
|---|---|
| Net Worth | $30 Million |
| Date of Birth | Sep 12, 1981 |
| Age | 41 years old |
| Place of Birth | Chicago |
| Gender | Female |
| Height | 5 ft 8 in (1.75 m) |
| Profession | Singer, Actor, Artist, Spokesperson, Musician, Music artist |
| Nationality | United States of America |
However, Jennifer’s talents were not overlooked for long. She went on to co-star in the 2006 film version of “Dreamgirls,” where she portrayed Effie White, a role that had always been synonymous with Jennifer Holliday’s portrayal. Jennifer’s performance in the film was outstanding and went on to earn her an Oscar, a BAFTA, a Golden Globe, and a SAG Award for Best Supporting Actress.
Jennifer also achieved significant success in the music industry. Her debut album, released in 2007, won one Grammy and achieved Gold status. She went on to release her second album in the spring of 2011, which reached #2 on the Billboard Hot 200.
On June 12, 2022, Jennifer added to her already impressive list of achievements when she won a Tony award for her work as a co-producer on the play “A Strange Loop.” With that win, Jennifer officially became a member of the exclusive “EGOT” club, which includes only a handful of people who have won an Emmy, Golden Globe, Oscar, and Tony. Other notable EGOT members include Whoopi Goldberg, John Legend, Audrey Hepburn, and Rita Moreno.
Jennifer Hudson’s talent and hard work have earned her numerous accolades and recognition throughout her career. Her success has solidified her place in the entertainment industry and continues to inspire aspiring artists around the world.
Read Also: Morgan Wallen Net Worth, Biography, Girlfriend, Career Vicki Lawrence Net Worth, Biography, Career, Husband Kelly Ripa Net Worth, Biography, Career, Salary, Assets Amber Heard Net Worth, Biography, Salary, Controversies Susan Lucci Net Worth, Biography, Career, Salary
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Early Life and Education
Jennifer Kate Hudson was born in Chicago, Illinois, on September 12, 1981. She grew up in the Englewood neighborhood of Chicago as the youngest of three children. Hudson attended Dunbar Vocational High School and graduated in 1999. She then enrolled at Langston University but later dropped out due to homesickness. She continued her education at Kennedy-King College.
Rise to Fame on “American Idol”
Hudson first started singing in her church choir at the age of 7. Her grandmother Julia also encouraged her to get involved in community theater. She signed her first recording contract in 2002 with Chicago-based independent record label Righteous Records. However, after being given the opportunity to appear on the reality competition show “American Idol” in 2004, she was released from her five-year contract with Righteous Records.
Hudson auditioned for the third season of “American Idol” in Atlanta, and prior to that, she had been performing as one of the Muses from “Hercules” on the ship Disney Wonder, part of the Disney Cruise Lines. She performed well during the competition, even receiving the highest number of votes in the “Top 9” round.
However, she was eliminated two weeks later during the “Top 7” round. Despite not winning the competition, Hudson is widely regarded as one of the greatest contestants on the show. In 2009, MTV named her the sixth greatest “American Idol” with the most shocking exit of all time. In 2010, the Los Angeles Times listed Hudson as the third greatest “American Idol” in the history of the show, behind season one winner Kelly Clarkson and season four winner Carrie Underwood.
Accolades and Achievements
Following her “American Idol” appearance, Hudson went on to pursue a successful music and acting career. She has won several Grammys, an Academy Award and a Screen Actors Guild award. In 2022, she won a Tony award for her work as a co-producer on the play “A Strange Loop.” With that win, Hudson officially became a member of the exclusive “EGOT” club – people who have won an Emmy, Golden Globe, Oscar and Tony. Other EGOT members include Whoopi Goldberg, John Legend, Audrey Hepburn, and Rita Moreno.
Jennifer Hudson’s Music Career
Early Career and Record Deal with Arista Records
After finishing in seventh place on the third season of “American Idol” in 2004, Jennifer Hudson began working on various music projects. She collaborated with Meat Loaf on a duet called “The Future Ain’t What It Used to Be,” and also worked with producers Ryan Tedder and Timbaland on several songs for her debut album.
Debut Album and Grammy Win
In November 2006, Hudson signed a record deal with Arista Records. Her debut single “Spotlight” was released in June 2008, and her self-titled debut album “Jennifer Hudson” followed in September of that year. The album, which was written and produced by Ne-Yo and Stargate, debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 and was well-received by critics. It also won Best R&B Album at the 2009 Grammy Awards and received two more nominations in the categories of Best Female R&B Vocal Performance and Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.
Second and Third Studio Albums
Hudson’s second studio album “I Remember Me” was released in March 2011 and also debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200. She followed it up with her third album, “JHUD,” which was released in 2014.
Signing with Epic Records
In June 2016, Hudson signed with Epic Records and has continued to release new music and collaborate with other artists.
Jennifer Hudson’s Acting Career
Breakthrough Role in “Dreamgirls”
In November 2005, Jennifer Hudson made her acting debut with the role of Effie White in the film adaptation of the musical “Dreamgirls.” Hudson won the role over hundreds of professional singers and actresses, including Fantasia Barrino. Her portrayal of Effie White received widespread praise, with her rendition of the song “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” being particularly acclaimed. Hudson won 29 awards for her role in “Dreamgirls,” including the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role, and the BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role.
Supporting and Starring Roles in Film
After “Dreamgirls,” Hudson appeared in supporting roles in several films such as “Sex and the City” (2008) and “The Secret Life of Bees” (2008). She eventually moved on to starring roles, appearing in films like “Fragments” (2009), “Winnie Mandela” (2013), “Black Nativity” (2013), and “Cats” (2019).
Broadway Debut and Grammy Win
In 2015, Hudson made her Broadway debut as Shug Avery in “The Color Purple.” She received critical acclaim for her performance and went on to win a Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album in 2017.
Television Appearances and Coaching
Hudson has also made appearances on television, serving as a coach on “The Voice UK” for the sixth and eighth seasons and on the American version of “The Voice” for the thirteenth and fifteenth seasons.
Jennifer Hudson’s Weight Loss Journey and Autobiography
Weight Watchers Spokesperson
In 2010, Jennifer Hudson became a spokesperson for Weight Watchers. She has since been an advocate for healthy living and weight loss.
Transformation and Autobiography
Hudson’s weight loss journey became a hot topic in the media, and she revealed on an episode of “The Oprah Winfrey Show” in February 2011 that she had lost a total of 80 pounds. She has continued to maintain her weight loss and inspire others to lead healthy lifestyles. In 2012, Hudson released an autobiography entitled “I Got This: How I Changed My Ways and Lost What Weighed Me Down,” which detailed her journey towards better health and fitness.
Personal Life and Relationships
Jennifer Hudson began dating James Payton when she was 18 years old in 1999. However, they separated in late 2007. Hudson then met David Otunga, a professional wrestler in the WWE and a Harvard Law graduate, and the couple became engaged in September 2008. In August 2009, Hudson gave birth to their first child, a son named David Daniel Otunga, Jr. Unfortunately, Hudson and Otunga split in November 2017.
Tragic Family Events
On October 24, 2008, tragedy struck Hudson’s family when her 57-year-old mother Darnell Donerson, and 29-year-old brother Jason were found shot to death inside the Chicago home Donerson shared with Hudson’s older sister, Julia. An AMBER Alert was issued for her 7-year-old nephew, Julian King when Julia reported him missing.
Three days later, the Federal Bureau of Investigation confirmed a body found on Chicago’s West Side was the nephew; an autopsy indicated he had died from “multiple gunshot wounds”. Police charged William Balfour, Julia’s estranged 27-year-old husband, with three counts of first-degree murder and one count of home invasion.
Balfour was convicted on all seven counts against him and, in July 2012, he was sentenced to three life sentences without the possibility of parole (to be served consecutively), followed by an additional 120 years for his other convictions.
Charity Work
In memory of the three victims, Hudson’s family created The Hudson-King Foundation for Families of Slain Victims. Additionally, Hudson and her sister created the Julian D. King Gift Foundation in honor of her nephew. It provides Christmas presents and school supplies to families in need in the Chicago area.
Political Affiliations and Residency
Hudson has been described as a friend of former President Barack Obama, who invited her to appear with him at a fundraiser in Beverly Hills during his first term in May 2009. She also performed at the White House at the “Celebration of Music from the Civil Rights Movement” event. As of 2011, Hudson resides in Burr Ridge, Illinois, a western suburb of Chicago.
Jennifer Hudson’s Real Estate Purchase
In 2011, Jennifer Hudson made a real estate purchase in the Chicago suburb of Burr Ridge. The purchase was for a six-bedroom, 7-bath, 12,000-square-foot home, built in 2007.
Features of the House
The house boasts many attractive features, such as a floating staircase, multiple laundry rooms, a personal movie theater, and hardwood floors. With 12,000 square feet of space, Hudson has ample room to add future awards to her already impressive collection.
Pricing of the Property
Hudson purchased the property for just under $3 million, which was a significant discount from its original asking price.
Conclusion
Jennifer Hudson’s early life and talent led her to a successful career in music and acting. Her time on “American Idol” helped launch her career and establish her as a beloved artist. Her success has been recognized with numerous accolades and awards, including her recent induction into the EGOT club.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Jennifer Hudson, who has won an EGOT, resides in a luxurious $3 million home spanning 12,000 square feet in Burr Ridge, a suburban area only 17 miles away from Chicago.
David Otunga, a professional wrestler, and Harvard Law graduate, proposed to singer and actress Jennifer Hudson on her 27th birthday, just seven months after they met. The couple welcomed their first child, a son named David Daniel Otunga Jr., on August 10, 2009.
In August 2009, Hudson gave birth to her only child, a son named David Daniel Otunga Jr. The child’s father is Hudson’s former fiancé, David Otunga, who is a former WWE star and a Harvard Law graduate. Hudson and Otunga ended their relationship in November 2017 after being together for ten years.
Jennifer Hudson’s publicist announced that the Oscar-winning actress gave birth to her first child, David Daniel Otunga Jr. when she was 27 years old.
As a part of her Weight Watchers plan, Jennifer Hudson made significant changes to her eating habits, giving up on her old ways. To achieve her weight loss goals, she has started cooking her meals and practicing portion control. She has been successful in shedding pounds by avoiding overeating. To start, she eliminated junk food and has been staying away from unhealthy choices.
Jennifer Hudson was born on September 12, 1981, which makes her 41 years old as of my knowledge cutoff of September 2021.
Jennifer Hudson’s height is 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm).
Jennifer Hudson was previously engaged to David Otunga, a professional wrestler, and Harvard Law graduate. However, they split in November 2017.
As of my knowledge cutoff of September 2021, Jennifer Hudson’s net worth is estimated to be around $25 million.
Find More Related Posts
Why is Olivia Wilde so Rich? Net Worth, Bio & More about Olivia Wilde
Ms. Rachel’s Net Worth 2023, Career, Earnings, YouTube Channel
Rich Paul Net Worth in 2023, Career, Relationship, Biography and Wiki
Daniel Tosh Net Worth 2023, Career, Biography, Wife, Salary, and More
Shannon Sharpe Net Worth 2023, Career, Salary, Wife, Bio, and Wiki
Randall Emmett Net Worth in 2023, Salary, Wife, Career, Salary & Bio
Vanessa Hudgens’s Net Worth 2023, Bio, Wiki, Career, and More
Jon Taffer’s Net Worth 2023, Bio, Wiki, Career, and More
