Whether you rooted for her on “American Idol” or sympathized with her passionate decree in “I Am Telling You, I’m Not Going,” Jennifer Hudson has sang her way into the hearts of millions. The soulful songstress is celebrating her 32nd birthday today and Neon Tommy want to show her a little love by acknowledging the birthday girl and all she’s accomplished.  

 

But who was the talented diva before “American Idol”? Born on the Southside of Chicago, Hudson knew from a young age that singing was her destiny. Singing wasn’t new to the young star – she was born into a musically adept family of singers and grew up practicing the gospel tradition, Hudson’s first love. After starring in a musical on the Disney Cruise ship, she was reassured that she had the chops to make it on “American Idol.”

Although she didn’t win Season 3 of “American Idol,” J.Hud would soon become America’s favorite Dreamgirl.

In 2006, she made her acting debut as the hot-tempered, big-voiced and big-framed Effie White in the film adaptation of the musical, “Dreamgirls.“ Beyoncé, Jamie Foxx, and Eddie Murphy were Hollywood heavyweights also in the film, but it was Jennifer Hudson that stole the show – winning 29 awards for her performance – including Oscar, SAG, and Golden Globe awards for Best Actress in a supporting role. She was also the 3rd African American woman to be featured on the cover of Vogue.

After her dynamic Hollywood debut, Jennifer accrued even more success both musically and on the big screen. She released two albums and appeared in several movies including, “Sex and the City” and the “Secret Life of Bees.”  

But success didn’t come without tragedy. In 2008, Hudson’s mother, brother and nephew were brutally murdered by Hudson’s ex-brother-in-law.  

With strength, resilience and grace the singer/actress was able to bounce back, reclaiming her throne as a soulful heavy hitter at the Super Bowl XLIII singing the National Anthem. She became the spokesperson for Weightwatchers – dropping a whopping 10 dress sizes – got married, and gave birth to her son David Daniel Otunga, Jr. in 2009. 

Hudson definitely has her hands full – as a mother, a wife, spokesperson and star with many upcoming projects. She can be seen in the upcoming films: “Winnie Mandela,” “The Three Stooges,” “The Inevitable Defeat of Mister and Pete,” and “The Black Nativity.” She is also working on her third studio album to be released in 2014. 

What a load! But the future is undeniably bright for the glam Jennifer Hudson. Hopefully the hardworking diva takes some time off to enjoy her birthday!

 

Check out Jennifer Hudson's jaw-dropping performance of the National Anthem below.

 

 

Reach Staff Reporter Jillian Baker here.