Over the past five years we have watched Jennifer Hudson endure and overcome major obstacles in her life. America was there with her, cheering her on during her run on American Idol. Even though she was ultimately voted off in April 2004, Jennifer came back in 2006 un-phased by Simon Cowell’s negativity, and landed her breakthrough role as Effie White in the film production of Dreamgirls. Our girl even won an Oscar for her stellar performance. Hudson then followed up with her self-titled debut album, Jennifer Hudson, in 2008. She then went on to garner more film roles in the 2008 movies, ‘Sex And The City’ and ‘The Secret Lives of Bees’. In the same year on Jennifer’s 27th birthday, former lawyer-turned reality television star, David Otunga proposed marriage after less than a year of dating. Just when all seemed to be going well for our south side Chicago sister, the ultimate tragedy struck. Jennifer’s mother, brother, and nephew were all murdered as an apparent vendetta against her sister Julia, carried out by her estranged husband. The world mourned with Jennifer and Julia as they both said goodbye to their beloved family members.
J-Hud, as she is so fondly referred to, slowly began to put the pieces of her life back together. After taking a public hiatus for a brief three months, she re-appeared by singing the national anthem at Superbowl XLIII in February 2009. Not long after, Jennifer also became pregnant and gave birth to a son, David Otunga, Jr. on August 9, 2009. After another brief hiatus to enjoy motherhood, Jennifer has now returned to portray the role of Winnie Mandela in a biopic about South Africa’s first black president, Nelson Mandela. Though accepting this role did not come without drama. Members of the Creative Workers Union of South Africa have threatened a protest if Hudson continues the role. Members of the union have nothing against Jennifer herself but would prefer to have a South African actress portray the ex-wife of Nelson Mandela. Even so Jennifer has pressed on, taped a Christmas special which aired on ABC on December 14th, and is currently in South Africa filming the movie.
Jennifer Hudson has faced adversity, tragedy, and motherhood over the past few years. She has done so while keeping up with changing fashion trends, trendy hairstyles, and keeping her head held high. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, she continues to press on and fly.
—— By: Tiffany Haggerty