Jennifer Hudson Through the Years: Photos of the ‘Idol’ Star From Then & Now

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September 12, 2025 9:10AM EDT

MARTHA'S VINEYARD, MASSACHUSETTS - AUGUST 05: Jennifer Hudson attends the 2025 Martha's Vineyard African American Film Festival at the Martha's Vineyard Performing Arts Center on August 05, 2025 in Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts. (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)

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Celebrate Jennifer Hudson’s 44th birthday by looking back at photos from her incredible career, from ‘American Idol’ to her EGOT win.

Jennifer Hudson first captured national attention on season 3 of American Idol, finishing in seventh place. Although she didn’t win, the setback didn’t stop her from pursuing her dreams. Just two years later, she landed her breakout role in Dreamgirls (2006), earning an Academy Award, Golden Globe, and Screen Actors Guild Award for her powerhouse performance.

Her success on the big screen helped launch a dynamic career in music and theater. She released her debut self-titled album in 2008, followed by I Remember Me in 2011 and JHUD in 2014. In 2015, she made her Broadway debut in The Color Purple, receiving critical acclaim for her stage presence and vocal power.

Recognized as one of the most remarkable voices of her generation, Jennifer achieved one of entertainment’s highest honors in 2022 when she officially became an EGOT winner—earning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony.

Keep scrolling through the gallery to see photos from Jennifer’s illustrious career and unforgettable red carpet moments.

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Jennifer Hudson On ‘American Idol’

Jennifer Hudson On ‘American Idol’ — Jennifer Hudson poses in her headshot for season three of ‘American Idol.’ The powerhouse singer was a contestant on the show, and finished in seventh place.

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Jennifer Hudson In Las Vegas

Jennifer Hudson In Las Vegas — Jennifer Hudson poses for a photo as she arrives for the ShoWest’s closing night ceremony at Paris Las Vegas Hotel in March 2006. At the event, she was named the Female Star of Tomorrow.

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Jennifer Hudson In ‘Dreamgirls’

Jennifer Hudson In ‘Dreamgirls’ — Jennifer Hudson sings in a recording studio while filming ‘Dreamgirls.’ The movie came out in 2006 and Jennifer received a number of awards, including an Oscar, for her performance in the film.

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Jennifer Hudson At The 2007 Oscars

Jennifer Hudson At The 2007 Oscars — Jennifer Hudson proudly holds up her trophy after winning at the 2007 Oscars. She won the award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in ‘Dreamgirls’ at the show.

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Jennifer Hudson At The 2007 Grammy Awards

Jennifer Hudson At The 2007 Grammy Awards — Jennifer Hudson looks stunning while walking the red carpet at the 2007 Grammys. She wore a red, plunging dress and her hair styled straight and cascading down her back.

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Jennifer Hudson At The 2007 Screen Actors Guld Awards

Jennifer Hudson At The 2007 Screen Actors Guld Awards — Jennifer Hudson is all smiles while rocking a sexy purple dress at the Screen Actors Guild Awards in 2007. She also took home a Best Supporting Actress award for her incredible ‘Dreamgirls’ performance at this show.

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Jennifer Hudson Performing At The 2009 Grammys

Jennifer Hudson Performing At The 2009 Grammys — Jennifer Hudson performs in a sparkling dress at the 2009 Grammys. The powerful performance came less than one year after her mother, brother and nephew were killed in a tragic shooting.

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Jennifer Hudson At The Elton John Oscar Party in 2010

Jennifer Hudson At The Elton John Oscar Party in 2010 — Jennifer Hudson arrives at the Elton John Oscar Party in West Hollywood, Calif. on Sunday, March 7, 2010. She wore a halter-style, blue dress and her hair straight with blunt bangs across her forehead.

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Jennifer Hudson At The 2011 Grammys

Jennifer Hudson At The 2011 Grammys — Jennifer Hudson shows off her weight loss while walking the red carpet at the 2011 Grammy Awards. She wore a navy blue dress and her hair long and straight, along with clunky heels at the event.

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Jennifer Hudson At The VH1 Divas Concert

Jennifer Hudson At The VH1 Divas Concert — Jennifer Hudson performs onstage at the “Vh1 Divas Celebrates Soul” on Sunday, Dec. 18, 2011 in New York. She wore a colorful dress as she belted out music for the crowd.

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Jennifer Hudson At The American Music Awards in 2011

Jennifer Hudson At The American Music Awards in 2011 — Jennifer Hudson proudly shows off her weight loss while wearing a silver mini dress at the 2011 American Music Awards. She added black, platform heels and a pop of red lipstick to complete her red carpet look.

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Jennifer Hudson At The 2011 Oscars

Jennifer Hudson At The 2011 Oscars — Actress Jennifer Hudson arrives before the 83rd Academy Awards on Sunday, Feb. 27, 2011, in the Hollywood section of Los Angeles. She was ravishing in red in her halter dress, which featured a plugning neckline. Jennifer looked chic with her hair pulled back into an updo, as well.

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Jennifer Hudson At A Project Runway Fashion Show

Jennifer Hudson At A Project Runway Fashion Show — Jennifer Hudson poses on the runway before the Project Runway fashion show, where she was a judge, during New York Fashion Week in 2012. She wore a stunning pantsuit and matching blazer and looked fierce as she struck a pose on the catwalk.

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Jennifer Hudson at the 2013 American Music Awards

Jennifer Hudson at the 2013 American Music Awards — Jennifer Hudson arrives at the American Music Awards at the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on Sunday, Nov. 24, 2013, in Los Angeles. She wore an orange dress.

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Jennifer Hudson At The ‘Call Me Crazy’ Premiere

Jennifer Hudson At The ‘Call Me Crazy’ Premiere — Jennifer Hudson attends the “Call Me Crazy: A Five Film” premiere in 2013. She wore a skirt and blouse of mismatched patterns for a cool, but stylish, look on the red carpet.

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Jennifer Hudson At The 2013 Oscars

Jennifer Hudson At The 2013 Oscars — Jennifer Hudson arrives at the Oscars at the Dolby Theatre on Sunday Feb. 24, 2013, in Los Angeles. She wore a form-fitting, sparkling blue dress, which had long sleeves. Her bangs were on display as she wore her hair straight to the event.

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Jennifer Hudson At Her Hollywood Walk of Fame Ceremony

Jennifer Hudson At Her Hollywood Walk of Fame Ceremony — Jennifer Hudson is all smiles while attending her Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony in Nov. 2013. She was joined by her then-fiance, David Otunga, and their son during the proud moment. Jennifer looked stunning in a white mini dress and matching heels, while her guys wore gray suits.

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Jennifer Hudson At The 2014 People’s Choice Awards

Jennifer Hudson At The 2014 People’s Choice Awards — Jennifer Hudson looks angelic in a white dress at the 2014 People’s Choice Awards. Her gown came down to her mid-calf and had long sleeves, and she completed the look with open-toed heels and an updo.

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Jennifer Hudson At The 2017 Glamour Women of the Year Awards

Jennifer Hudson At The 2017 Glamour Women of the Year Awards — Jennifer Hudson attends the Glamour Women of the Year Awards 2017. She rocked a strapless black and white dress, which had a slit up one side. At the time, she was rocking a short dixie cut and it was on full display as she hit up the carpet.

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Jennifer Hudson In ‘Sandy Wexler’

Jennifer Hudson In ‘Sandy Wexler’ — Jennifer Hudson stars in the film ‘Sandy Wexler’ in 2017. Here, she’s pictured in a scene from the movie, where she was seated at a table in a white outfit.

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Jennifer Hudson At The 2019 Kids’ Choice Awards

Jennifer Hudson At The 2019 Kids’ Choice Awards — Jennifer Hudson attends the 2019 Kids’ Choice Awards for Nickelodeon. She fit the theme perfectly by wearing a pair of orange pants, which matched the carpet.

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Jennifer Hudson Filming ‘Respect’

Jennifer Hudson Filming ‘Respect’ — Jennifer Hudson stars as Aretha Franklin in the biopic, ‘Respect.’ She filmed scenes for the film outside in 2019, and looked stunningly similar to the iconic singer.

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Jennifer Hudson At The 2019 Vanity Fair Oscar Party

Jennifer Hudson At The 2019 Vanity Fair Oscar Party — Jennifer Hudson arrives at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party on Sunday, Feb. 24, 2019, in Beverly Hills, California. She wore an off-the-shoulder black dress, which featured some fringe detail, and her hair pulled back.

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Jennifer Hudson At The 2019 Billboard Music Awards

Jennifer Hudson At The 2019 Billboard Music Awards — Jennifer Hudson hits the red carpet in a sexy, tan-colored outfit at the Billboard Music Awards in 2019. She had a lighter hairstyle, which was styled in a bob that was parted to the side.

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Jennifer Hudson At The 2019 Oscars

Jennifer Hudson At The 2019 Oscars — Jennifer Hudson is stunning in a one-shouldered red gown at the 2019 Academy Awards. Her dress featured a leg slit, and she completed the look with her hair pulled back in a ponytail.

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Jennifer Hudson At The ‘Cats’ Premiere

Jennifer Hudson At The ‘Cats’ Premiere — Jennifer Hudson attends the World Premiere of “CATS” at Alice Tully Hall in New York, NY on December 16, 2019. She wore a navy and black dress, which had sheer sleeves and some lace detailing.

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Jennifer Hudson At The 2022 Tony Awards

Jennifer Hudson At The 2022 Tony Awards — Jennifer Hudson wows in a black and silver off-the-shoulder dress at the 75th Annual Tony Awards on Jun. 12, 2022. Her face was fresh and she had he hair slicked back.

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Jennifer Hudson at 2025 African American Film Festival

Jennifer Hudson at 2025 African American Film Festival — Jennifer Hudson at the 2025 Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival at the Martha’s Vineyard Performing Arts Center on August 05, 2025 in Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts.

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