Everybody is talking about Beyonce this week. The main reason is that she released her new album COWBOY CARTER which saw her collaborating with stars like Miley Cyrus and Post Malone. It also saw her covering classics from artists like The Beatles and Dolly Parton. The album has unsurprisingly received massive acclaim from fans and critics alike. And with seemingly perfect timing, Bey was given a special award at the iHeartRadio Music Awards this week.
She became the most recent artist to receive the show’s Innovator Award. She joins Justin Timberlake, Bruno Mars, Taylor Swift and even more big names who have taken home the award in the past. During her acceptance speech she thanked many of the people who have helped her channel her creativity along the way. Most notably she thanked Jay-Z, who earlier this year called out the Grammys for having never given Bey the Album Of The Year award. But that wasn’t the only news she made the night of the show. Check out who she reunited with backstage during the festivities below.
Jennifer Hudson shared a picture of her and Bey backstage alongside a message congratulating her. “I am so happy I got to be there to cheer on my Dreamgirls sister as she received the @iheartradio Innovator Award!!! Congratulations on such a well deserved recognition! Love u @beyonce !!!” her caption reads.
The projections for COWBOY CARTER are predicting an incredibly impressive first week debut. The album is currently projected to debut at number one on the Billboard 200 with nothing else coming even close. An updated estimate revealed that the project could sell as many as 400k copies in its first week. It’s expected to smash the record for biggest sales week of 2024 so far, set by Future & Metro Boomin just last week. What do you think of Beyonce and Jennifer Hudson having a Dreamgirls reunion backstage at the iHeartRadio Music Awards? Did you enjoy Bey’s acceptance speech for her innovator award? Let us know in the comment section below.
Last month, rapper Common made an intriguing appearance on the Jennifer Hudson Show, where he danced around questions about his romantic life, leaving fans buzzing with speculation. During the show, Common, 51, coyly described his girlfriend as an EGOT winner, hinting at a high-profile relationship without revealing any names.
However, the mystery deepened when host Jennifer Hudson, 42, joked during a recent appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, suggesting she initially thought Common was referring to fellow EGOT-er Whoopi Goldberg as his girlfriend. The playful banter between Hudson and Kimmel added fuel to the rumor mill, with fans eagerly trying to decipher the true nature of Common’s relationship.
For those unfamiliar, achieving EGOT status is considered a prestigious milestone in the entertainment industry, requiring an individual to win an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award throughout their career. With both Common and Hudson boasting remarkable careers across various entertainment platforms, speculation about their relationship has only intensified.
Despite the playful back-and-forth between Hudson and Common, neither has explicitly confirmed or denied their romantic involvement. Their coy responses and subtle hints have only added to the intrigue surrounding their potential relationship.
After American Idol first aired in 2002, it revolutionized reality television, especially in the music world. From its beloved contestants, judges, and host to the show’s format and cult following, it left a remarkable impact on the entertainment industry. At its commercial height, the famous singing competition was a cultural phenomenon that gave aspiring singers a chance at a music career.
While many artists now build success through social media, they used to either get discovered through different channels of the industry or try to land an audition at American Idol. Before taking a brief hiatus in 2016, the show helped launch the careers of many major stars throughout its first 15 seasons. Many former contestants have gone on to establish prolific careers for themselves in music and beyond. Today, we are looking at the most successful American Idol stars.
Kelly Clarkson
Kelly Clarkson won the first season of American Idol back in 2002, instantly becoming the show’s first big star. With her powerful singing voice, she found success as a pop artist while also combining elements of rock and country into her music. The Grammy award-winning singer is known for her chart-topping hit songs like “My Life Would Suck Without You,” “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” and other classics including “Since U Been Gone.” After taking American Idol and her music career to great heights, Clarkson now hosts her own talk show. Original Idol judges Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul, and Simon Cowell appeared as guests on The Kelly Clarkson Show, resulting in a full circle moment.
Jennifer Hudson
Jennifer Hudson may have not been a finalist on American Idol, but she became one of the most successful stars in the show’s history. After finishing seventh in the show’s third season, established a multifaceted career for herself. She starred in Dreamgirls, among other films, and released three studio albums, including her gold-certified self-titled debut. A jack of all trades in the entertainment industry, Hudson is an EGOT winner, receiving the four major American awards in entertainment: Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony. Like Kelly Clarkson, she now hosts her own talk show, where she recently confirmed her relationship with Common.
Season 3 of American Idol was an unforgettable one, launching the careers of two of its biggest stars. Jennifer Hudson finished in seventh place, but Fantasia won the competition. Following Idol, the North Carolina singer instantly started a successful career in music and acting. Fantasia released her platinum-selling debut album, Free Yourself in 2004. Her self-titled follow-up included the hit single, “When I See U,” which is now an R&B classic. She has topped the charts and won Grammys with her blends of soul and gospel, which often incorporates elements of hip hop. Fantasia first starred in The Color Purple on Broadway in 2007, and recently reprised her role for a film adaptation which has racked up numerous award nominations.
Carrie Underwood
Undoubtedly the most successful American Idol star is Carrie Underwood, who won the fourth season in 2005. She is the most-awarded country artist of all time and has won eight Grammy awards. Singles like “Jesus Take the Wheel” and “Before He Cheats” were immediate crossover hits, topping the country charts. Her first four albums are multi-platinum, boasting numerous hit singles each. In addition to her successful and impactful career in music, Underwood has ventured into acting, playing many roles, including Maria von Trapp in The Sound of Music Live! Carrie Underwood set the bar incredibly high for what aspiring singers can attain after winning American Idol.
Katherine McPhee
Katherine McPhee finished as a runner-up on American Idol’s fifth season in 2006. The pop and R&B singer’s self-titled debut album on RCA arrived in 2006, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard 200 chart. Aside from releasing six albums, McPhee has been successful in TV and film. She also starred as Jenna Hunterson in Waitress on Broadway. Since finishing as a contestant, Katherine McPhee has returned to American Idol as a guest performer. She later married music titan, David Foster.
Jordin Sparks
Jordin Sparks is the youngest American Idol winner in the show’s history. She finished victorious at the age of 17 on the show’s sixth season in 2007. That same year, Sparks released her platinum-selling self-titled debut. The album included the hit single “No Air,” a duet with Chris Brown. Her second album, 2009’s Battlefield, included the Top 10 hit of the same name. Aside from music, Jordin Sparks has acted both on screen and onstage. She starred alongside Whitney Houston in the film, Sparkle, and in Broadway musicals including In the Heights and Waitress.
Adam Lambert
In 2009, Adam Lambert finished as the runner-up on American Idol’s eighth season but is one of the show’s most successful stars. He has released five studio albums, including the chart-topping Trespassing in 2012. Lambert is a successful pop solo artist but has also established a relationship with the remaining active members of Queen, touring with the band multiple times. Outside of music, he has guest judged on Project Runway, RuPaul’s Drag Race, X Factor, and American Idol.
Common and Jennifer Hudson have lit a fire under the rumors of their relationship. Common appeared on The Jennifer Hudson Show and answered a pressing question from the host: “Are you dating anyone?”
Common pulled out his charm in response: “I’m in a relationship that is with one of the most beautiful people I ever met in life. She’s smart, she loves God, she has something real down-to-earth about her, she’s talented.”
You can see the Chicago couple tease their romance below.
So far, the setlist for the tour is filled with fans’ favorite holiday tracks, including Carey’s record-setting song “All I Want For Christmas Is You.” However, yesterday’s show offered a little surprise. As Carey prepared to sing “Oh Santa!” she was joined onstage by EGOT holder Jennifer Hudson and Ariana Grande. The powerhouse trio spiced things up, delivering the remix version of a song initially released in 2020.
Following the performance, Carey took to Instagram to thank her collaborators for making a cheerful cameo during the show, writing, “Grateful to have the gorgeous and talented Christmas angels Ariana Grande and Jennifer Hudson join me on stage tonight at Madison Square Garden for our song ‘Oh Santa! (Remix)’ .”
Jeannie Mai says she found out about Jeezy filing for divorce at the same time as the rest of the world and was “gutted.” She reflected on the highly-publicized split during an appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show on Monday.
“Even though this year, I met the most broken version of me. I also met the strongest version of me,” she began. “It was kind of hard, so yeah, it’s what I’m dealing with day by day, you know?” she said of the divorce. “I think I’m doing better now.” She added: “So today, it’s about picking up the pieces. It’s about discovering me and being a mom to the best blessing in my life, my little girl.”
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 08: Jeezy and Jeannie Mai attends the Prabal Gurung NYFW Fashion Show at Robert F. Wagner Park on September 08, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Gotham/WireImage)
Mai further spoke about her relationship with her daughter, Monaco, who she and Jeezy welcomed in January 2022. In doing so, she revealed their holiday plans. “This year is the first time Monaco is going to come home to the Bay area for Christmas with me,” she said. “The thing I love about the Bay is there’s this earthy grit to my friends and the vibe in the Bay … the music sounds better, the food tastes better. And so Monaco is going to experience all of the cultures of the melting point that San Jose has.” She added that Monaco will get a better idea of Mai’s upbringing as the daughter of Vietnamese immigrants. Check out her full conversation with Jennifer Hudson below.
Jeannie Mai Reflects On Finding Strength Amid Jeezy Divorce
Jeezy filed for divorce from Mai in September after two years of marriage. In a statement at the time, he explained that he still maintains “love and respect for Jeannie.” Be on the lookout for further updates on Jeannie Mai on HotNewHipHop.
On Monday, November 6, Jennifer Hudson stopped by Late Night With Seth Meyersand discussed becoming an EGOT winner, dressing as Missy Elliott for Halloween, and overcoming her fear of public speaking to successfully host The Jennifer Hudson Show. It was a lovely exchange, but Hudson saved the relationship talk for Gayle King and the CBS Mornings crew. Hudson’s love life is a point of interest (again) this week, as a viral Backgrid paparazzi photo of Hudson and Common — an Emmy, Grammy, and Oscar winner, for those keeping score at home — holding hands in New York City is making the rounds. So, are they dating?
Jennifer Hudson and rapper Common were spotted holding hands in New York City. https://t.co/zrIgvRiuBA
“Professional Jennifer is doing well,” King said toward the end of the five-plus-minute segment. “Personally, is Jennifer doing well? Word on the street is you’re very happy [and in] a very nice relationship.”
Hudson confirmed she is, indeed, “very happy” before King politely added the caveat that Hudson’s relationship is “with someone who shall remain nameless,” which earned a belly laugh from Hudson. That’s when co-host and former NFL wide receiver Nate Burleson cut in more directly, saying, “So, you booed up?”
“Booed up?” Hudson responded. “Hmm, I think it’s more sophisticated than ‘booed up.’” Burleson pressed on with brave investigative journalism to further clarify whether Hudson is in a “situationship” or “entanglement,” to which Hudson said, “It’s definitely not an entanglement. That’s for sure!”
Dating rumors around Common and Hudson started bubbling in August 2022, shortly after news broke that they would be starring in the action-thriller Breathe. Hudson more or less shut the rumor mill down in September 2022. She told Entertainment Tonight, “People create their narratives of it, and it’s like, OK, you know, how you feel. We shot a film together, and he played my husband. We gotta eat in between those moments.”
To Hudson’s point, they were photographed together at Nobu in Malibu, California this February (as noted by People), and then, TMZ asked Hudson about it again this August. Hudson expertly side-stepped the question by saying, “Rumors say a lot of things, but he’s a beautiful man. I will give you that. That’s for certain.” Within the same report, TMZ relayed that unnamed sources told the outlet Common and Hudson had “been together for months.”
Neither Common nor Hudson have explicitly publicly confirmed that they are dating each other, but this week’s hand-holding and talk-show giddiness are the most convincing clues in our evidence pile.
Missy Elliott is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
Halloween is always a time for celebrities to showcase their creativity, and this year was no different. From Megan Thee Stallion’s multiple transformations to Halle Bailey and DDG’s iconic duos, the stars brought their A-game to the Halloween festivities. Here are the top ten Halloween costumes of 2023, as celebrities paid homage to their favorite […]
Jennifer Hudson’s ascent to stardom began on a platform where many dreams have found wings—the renowned show American Idol. Though she did not claim the title, her appearance on the show was merely a prelude to greater things. With a voice that could move mountains, Hudson was destined for stages far grander, and her talents didn’t go unnoticed. As stated by CAknowledge, her net worth would grow to an impressive $35 million in 2023, reflecting her outstanding early trajectory.
Hitting High Notes: Career Highlights
NEW YORK, NY – JANUARY 27: Recording artist Beyonce and recording artist Jennifer Hudson. Attend the Clive Davis and Recording Academy Pre-GRAMMY Gala and GRAMMY Salute to Industry Icons Honoring Jay-Z. On January 27, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images)
A music, film, and theater career has given Jennifer Hudson many accolades. From the Academy Award for her role in Dreamgirls to Grammy triumphs for her soulful renditions, her trophy shelf is as versatile as her talent. Unforgettable performances in The Color Purple on Broadway and soul-stirring albums like I Remember Me have further cemented her place in the annals of entertainment royalty.
The Woman Behind The Diva: Personal Life & Triumphs
LOS ANGELES, CA – JUNE 26: Singers Stevie Wonder (L) and Jennifer Hudso attend the 2016 BET Awards at the Microsoft Theater on June 26, 2016 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Paras Griffin/BET/Getty Images for BET)
Jennifer Hudson’s life has also been a symphony with its fair share of crescendos and dolorous interludes. Through personal tragedies and setbacks, she has displayed remarkable resilience, echoing the emotional depth of her artistic expressions. As a mother, partner, and an individual constantly evolving, her personal life has been a testament to her strength and authenticity.
Encore For Entrepreneurship: Business Ventures
CHICAGO, IL – AUGUST 05: Actress Jennifer Hudson makes a surprise appearance and introduces the movie “Respect”. At the screening at AMC River East Theater on August 5, 2021 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Barry Brecheisen/Getty Images)
Beyond her commanding presence on stage and screen, Hudson has ventured into the business world with elegance and savvy. Partnerships with renowned brands, investments in creative startups, and a keen eye for opportunities have further added a fascinating business melody to her life’s composition. The diversification of her portfolio is as well-orchestrated as any of her musical masterpieces.
Moreover, Hudson’s commitment to making a difference resonates beyond her art. Involved in various charitable organizations, children’s education, and humanitarian efforts, her philanthropy echoes the compassion and empathy present in her soulful ballads. It’s no mere performance; it’s a genuine dedication to change, as rich and profound as her voice.
Hitting The Final Note: The Jennifer Hudson Phenomenon
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – AUGUST 18: Jennifer Hudson at Mastercard’s Strivers Celebration event honoring Black women entrepreneurs across the U.S. At The Apollo Theater on August 18, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Shannon Finney/Getty Images for Mastercard and Create & Cultivate)
With a repertoire spanning various genres and mediums, Jennifer Hudson is a dazzling figure in the modern entertainment landscape. Her professional and personal achievements compose a compelling talent, perseverance, and grace story. Overall, the net worth of $35 million in 2023 is a well-deserved reflection of her contribution to the art world.
Rumors have swirled that rapper Common and singer Jennifer Hudson have been quietly dating for over a year now, despite neither of them publicly confirming the romance. Eyewitnesses caught photos of Jennifer Hudson and rapper Common on a cozy dinner date in Philly.
On the blog site Deux Moi, where the readers submit the tea, Jen and Common were presented as a couple after being spotted at Vedge in Philadelphia.
Well now it seems Jennifer just inadvertently confirmed the news…
In an impromptu interview with TMZ, Jennifer says, “Thank you,” when the paparazzi reporter calls her and Common ‘a beautiful couple’ and acts surprised that the reporter knew about the summer vacation they took together.
Congratulations on such a well deserved recognition! Love u @beyonce !!!” her caption reads. 
Mariah Carey, Ariana Grande e Jennifer Hudson cantando “Oh Santa!” em show. 
