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Jennifer Hudson Gets Walk Of Fame Star

posted 13 Nov 2013, 15:32 by Sam Mbale   [ updated 13 Nov 2013, 15:32 ]

Actress and singer Jennifer Hudson receives the 2,512th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES (NOVEMBER 13, 2013) (REUTERS) -  Jennifer Hudson, who went from being a cruise ship singer to an Oscar and Grammy winner in six years, received the 2,512th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame Wednesday (November 13).

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The actress, who first made her appearance on the national scene as a contestant on singing competition "American Idol," was awarded a supporting actress Oscar for her film debut in 2006's "Dreamgirls." She also won a best rhythm and blues album Grammy in 2009 for her self-titled debut album, which was followed by her sophomore effort, "I Remember Me," which was released in 2011 and certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America. She has also appeared in "Sex and the City: The Movie," "The Secret Life of Bees," "The Inevitable Defeat of Mister and Pete," and "Wiinnie Mandela."

Hudson was joined at the ceremony on Hollywood Boulevard by music industry executive Clive Davis, who, as the founder of Arista Records, worked with the likes of vocal powerhouses Whitney Houston and Aretha Franklin. In remarks shortly before Hudson's star was unveiled, Davis told the crowd that when he first saw Hudson's screen test for "Dreamgirls," he knew he was witnessing a comparable talent.

"I have been privileged over the years to work for over 25 years with two of the greatest voices of all time - Aretha Franklin and Whitney Houston. I never thought I'd hear another voice to compare, and yet staring me in the face was a new voice that did compare. It literally sent shivers up my spine. Well, the rest is in the history books," said Davis, who went on to tout Hudson's 29 awards that she received for playing Effie White in "Dreamgirls."

Hudson is no stranger to personal tragedy. In October 2008, Hudson's mother, brother, and nephew were murdered by her sister's estranged husband William Balfour, who was convicted in 2012 of the crimes. Before the unveiling, Hudson tearfully spoke of her mother in her remarks.

"I knew I'd get emotional, and I'm sure my mom is in heaven like 'Jenny, stop crying,' but now is the time to cry mama, it is," says Hudson, who was joined at the ceremony by her fiance, professional wrestler David Otunga.

Hudson's upcoming film "Black Nativity," her first movie musical since "Dreamgirls," will be released November 27.



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