Age: 44
female
Jennifer Kate Hudson (born September 12, 1981), also known by her nickname J.Hud, is an American singer, actress, and talk show host. Hudson rose to fame in 2004 as a finalist on the third season of American Idol, placing seventh. She made her film debut 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. After signing to Arista Records, Hudson released her self-titled debut studio album in 2008, which was certified Gold in the US and the UK, and won the Grammy Award for Best R&B Album. Hudson's subsequent studio albums, I Remember Me (2011) and JHUD (2014), both charted within the top ten of the Billboard 200, with the former also being certified Gold in the US. Meanwhile, her other acting roles include the films Sex and the City (2008), The Secret Life of Bees (2008), Winnie Mandela (2011), Black Nativity (2013), Sing (2016), Cats (2019) and Respect (2021), the television shows Smash (2012), Empire (2015) and Confirmation (2016), and her Broadway debut with the musical The Color Purple. Hudson also contributed as a coach on the UK and the US version of The Voice from 2017 up to 2019, becoming the first female coach to win the former.
Jennifer Hudson
Aretha Franklin
for Aretha Franklin in Her Beat: Breaking Barriers
Suggested by kamsismith
In "Her Beat: Breaking Barriers," we delve into the captivating journey of female musicians of color who defied societal norms, shattered glass ceilings, and left an indelible mark on the music industry. From the jazz clubs of the 1920s to the global stages of today, each episode uncovers the untold stories of these trailblazing artists who transformed the landscape of music. Through archival footage, interviews with industry insiders, and dramatic reenactments, viewers will witness the courage, resilience, and talent of women like Josephine Baker, Billie Holiday, and Ella Fitzgerald, who paved the way for future generations. From Aretha Franklin's soulful anthems to Beyoncé's boundary-pushing performances, "Her Beat: Breaking Barriers" celebrates the diversity, innovation, and empowerment of female musicians of color throughout history. Join us on this musical journey as we honor their legacy and inspire the next generation of artists.
