Jennifer Hudson Through the Years: Photos of the ‘Idol’ Star From Oscar Win to Aretha Franklin Biopic

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September 12, 2023 10:30AM EDT
Jennifer Hudson
Eric Charbonneau/Shutterstock

Check out these gorgeous photos of Jennifer Hudson through the years, from her days on ‘American Idol’ to her Oscar-winning acting career.

Jennifer Hudson rose to fame on the third season of American Idol, where she came in seventh place. However, not winning didn’t discourage her from achieving her goals. Just two years after being on the reality singing competition, she starred in the movie ‘Dreamgirls,’ for which she won an Oscar, Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild Award. This helped skyrocket Jennifer’s career to a whole new level. She released her debut studio album in 2008, followed by two more in 2011 and 2017. She also made her Broadway debut in 2015 in ‘The Color Purple.’ There’s no doubt that Jennifer is a triple threat, and she’s been highly regarded as one of the top voices of her generation. In fact, Jennifer even became an EGOT winner in 2022!

Keep scrolling through the gallery to see more photos of Jennifer throughout her illustrious career.

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Jennifer Hudson On ‘American Idol’

Jennifer Hudson On ‘American Idol’
Everett Collection

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. 

September 10, 2020, 4:27PM
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Jennifer Hudson In Las Vegas

Jennifer Hudson In Las Vegas
ASSOCIATED PRESS

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.

September 10, 2020, 3:15PM
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Jennifer Hudson In ‘Dreamgirls’

Jennifer Hudson In ‘Dreamgirls’
©DreamWorks/Courtesy Everett Co

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.

September 10, 2020, 3:16PM
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Jennifer Hudson At The 2007 Oscars

Jennifer Hudson At The 2007 Oscars
©2007 RAMEY PHOTO 310-828-3445

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.

September 10, 2020, 3:15PM
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Jennifer Hudson At The 2007 Grammy Awards

Jennifer Hudson At The 2007 Grammy Awards
©2007 NCNA CREDIT ONLY 310-828-

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.

September 10, 2020, 3:16PM
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Jennifer Hudson At The 2007 Screen Actors Guld Awards

Jennifer Hudson At The 2007 Screen Actors Guld Awards
Hubert Boesl/picture-alliance/dp

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.

September 10, 2020, 3:15PM
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Jennifer Hudson Performing At The 2009 Grammys

Jennifer Hudson Performing At The 2009 Grammys
ASSOCIATED PRESS

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. 

September 10, 2020, 3:16PM
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Jennifer Hudson At The Elton John Oscar Party in 2010

Jennifer Hudson At The Elton John Oscar Party in 2010
AP

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.

September 10, 2020, 3:28PM
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Jennifer Hudson At The 2011 Grammys

Jennifer Hudson At The 2011 Grammys
XYZ

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.

September 10, 2020, 3:16PM
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Jennifer Hudson At The VH1 Divas Concert

Jennifer Hudson At The VH1 Divas Concert
Evan Agostini/AP

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.

September 10, 2020, 3:33PM
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Jennifer Hudson At The American Music Awards in 2011

Jennifer Hudson At The American Music Awards in 2011
AP

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.

September 10, 2020, 3:16PM
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Jennifer Hudson At The 2011 Oscars

Jennifer Hudson At The 2011 Oscars
AP

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.

September 10, 2020, 3:16PM
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Jennifer Hudson At A Project Runway Fashion Show

Jennifer Hudson At A Project Runway Fashion Show
AP

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.

September 10, 2020, 3:16PM
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Jennifer Hudson at the 2013 American Music Awards

Jennifer Hudson at the 2013 American Music Awards
Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP

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.

September 10, 2020, 3:16PM
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Jennifer Hudson At The ‘Call Me Crazy’ Premiere

Jennifer Hudson At The ‘Call Me Crazy’ Premiere
Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP

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.

September 10, 2020, 3:16PM
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Jennifer Hudson At The 2013 Oscars

Jennifer Hudson At The 2013 Oscars
Carlo Allegri/Invision/AP

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.

September 10, 2020, 3:16PM
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Jennifer Hudson At Her Hollywood Walk of Fame Ceremony

Jennifer Hudson At Her Hollywood Walk of Fame Ceremony
Todd Williamson/Invision/AP

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.

September 10, 2020, 3:16PM
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Jennifer Hudson At The 2014 People’s Choice Awards

Jennifer Hudson At The 2014 People’s Choice Awards
McMullan/Sipa USA

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.

September 10, 2020, 3:16PM
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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
PA Wire/PA Images

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.

September 10, 2020, 3:32PM
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Jennifer Hudson In ‘Sandy Wexler’

Jennifer Hudson In ‘Sandy Wexler’
©Netflix/Courtesy Everett Colle

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.

September 10, 2020, 3:16PM
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Jennifer Hudson At The 2019 Kids’ Choice Awards

Jennifer Hudson At The 2019 Kids’ Choice Awards
Sipa USA via AP

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. 

September 10, 2020, 3:17PM
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Jennifer Hudson Filming ‘Respect’

Jennifer Hudson Filming ‘Respect’
Kristin Callahan/Everett Collection

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.

September 10, 2020, 3:16PM
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Jennifer Hudson At The 2019 Vanity Fair Oscar Party

Jennifer Hudson At The 2019 Vanity Fair Oscar Party
Evan Agostini/Invision/AP

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.

September 10, 2020, 3:17PM
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Jennifer Hudson At The 2019 Billboard Music Awards

Jennifer Hudson At The 2019 Billboard Music Awards
Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency

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.

September 10, 2020, 3:17PM
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Jennifer Hudson At The 2019 Oscars

Jennifer Hudson At The 2019 Oscars
Jaxon / MEGA

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.

September 10, 2020, 3:17PM
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Jennifer Hudson At The ‘Cats’ Premiere

Jennifer Hudson At The ‘Cats’ Premiere
Sipa USA via AP

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.

September 10, 2020, 3:17PM
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Jennifer Hudson At The 2022 Tony Awards

Jennifer Hudson At The 2022 Tony Awards
Gregory Pace/Shutterstock

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.

June 13, 2022, 5:18PM