Jennifer Hudson is stepping back into the role that changed the trajectory of her career, but this time, she is working behind the scenes. Nearly two decades after making her mark as Effie White in Dreamgirls, Hudson has joined the producing team for a revamped Broadway revival, with Camille A. Brown serving as director and choreographer.
The full-circle opportunity has Hudson taking part in auditions as the production looks for its next Effie. Few people understand better than Hudson what that casting opportunity could mean for the actress who ultimately lands the role.
Hudson reportedly emerged from a pool of around 800 hopefuls to secure the part in the 2006 film. She then delivered a standout rendition of “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going,” a performance that quickly helped her move beyond her reality-show beginnings.
Dreamgirls marked Hudson’s film debut, coming just two years after her unexpected seventh-place elimination during Season 3 of American Idol. By the time awards season wrapped, the former Disney cruise performer had taken home the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress at age 25, making her the youngest Black winner in the category at the time.
Hudson would go on to achieve the rare EGOT distinction, portray Aretha Franklin in Respect, and launch The Jennifer Hudson Show, which has earned 18 Daytime Emmy nominations since its 2022 debut.
Now, Hudson sees the Broadway revival as part of a larger personal transformation. “This is the chapter of … putting myself first,” she told Variety. With her son, David Otunga Jr., now 17, the singer said she has started considering how she wants to spend the time that will come with becoming an empty nester.
“I’ve crossed every t, dotted every i,” she said. “But what does it feel like if you take up more space for yourself?”
Her new mantra gets right to the heart of it: “It’s my turn now.”
That mindset is making its way into Hudson’s music as well. She is currently working on an untitled album inspired by her son and her partner, Common, while planning to bring more of her personal experiences into the songs. “I only write when I have something I really want to say, and it’s my time for my voice,” she said.
Hudson said both Franklin and Carole King shared the same lasting piece of advice with her: use your voice. “When I use my voice this time,” she added, “it’s going to be with my words.”
