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 Luther: The Velvet Voice
Suggested by kamsismith
"Luther: The Velvet Voice" is a soul-stirring biopic that traces the extraordinary life of Luther Vandross, whose incomparable talent and smooth vocals touched the hearts of millions. Born and raised in the Bronx, Luther's early struggles with his weight and self-esteem set the stage for a life defined by resilience and determination. The film opens with a young Luther discovering his passion for singing and showcases his journey as he navigates the vibrant music scene of the 1970s and 1980s. Along the way, Luther forms lifelong friendships with fellow artists, such as Dionne Warwick and Aretha Franklin, who provide insight into his character and influence on the music industry. As Luther's career blossoms, we delve into his personal life, exploring his complex relationships, including his deep connection with his mother and the challenges he faced in expressing his sexuality in an industry that demanded conformity. His enduring bond with long-time collaborator and friend, Marcus Miller, adds depth to the narrative, highlighting the creative partnership that produced some of Luther's greatest hits.
