Although still an aspiring singer and actress in America, Jennifer Hudson is working hard to make a name for herself in the entertainment industry worldwide; and she is succeeding.

She has already demonstrated a voice to be remembered with avid fans of American Idol as a finalist on the hit reality talent show’s third season. She also stars alongside Hollywood heavy-hitters Beyonce Knowles, Jamie Foxx, and Eddie Murphy in Dreamgirls, the big-screen version of the Broadway musical by the same name, playing the role Jennifer Holliday made famous.

Hudson, who has never received any formal musical training, was born in Chicago on September 12, 1981, and worked as both a singer and an actress on cruise ships before auditioning for the third round of American Idol, hosted by Ryan Seacrest and judged by Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson, and Simon Cowell, in Atlanta.

Hudson was initially voted out as a semifinalist, but came back through the wildcard round and voted through as a finalist by Jackson. However, on April 21, 2004, she ended up voted off the show as the sixth of twelve finalists in the bottom three—all African-American females, sparking controversy that the elimination vote was racist.

Hudson’s most memorable song during her stint on American Idol was her rendition of “Circle of Life” by singer and guest judge Elton John.

Hudson was cast as Effie White for Dreamgirls in late 2005, reportedly having to put on twenty pounds and also, interestingly, beating out a contender for the role: third-season American Idol winner, Fantasia Barrino. The film, which began shooting in early 2006.

The rising star was honored with the coveted title of ShoWest Female Star of Tomorrow award in February 2006, an award previously given to huge stars such as Nicole Kidman, Cameron Diaz, Naomi Watts, and Hilary Swank.

Hudson's 2007 turned out to be quite a turning point in her career when she was awarded with Oscar for Best Supporting Actress in her 2006 movie Dreamgirls.

Hudson ’s beautiful voice is also featured on Meat Loaf’s recent third installment of the Bat Out of Hell series (Bat Out of Hell III: The Monster is Loose) in the single “The Future Ain’t What it Used to Be.”

Hudson has reported plans of releasing her debut album in early 2007 and has reportedly signed a record deal with Clive Davis, the founder of Arista Records and the music label man who signs up American Idol winners as well as runners-up.

In 2007 rumours circulated relating a big screen pruduction of the vastly popular TV series Sex and the City and by the end of the year the movie had gone into produciton. The free lance columnist, Carrie Bradshaw, played by Sarah Jessica Parker, required a personal assistant and Jennifer was selected to fill the role.

Along with SJP and a cameo by New York's Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Hudson found herself starring alongside the other three aging city girls, Cynthia Nixon, Kim Cattrall and Kristin Davis and of course the long suffering love interest of Carrie Bradshaw, Mr Big, plyaed by Chris Noth.

YUDDY