Whenever Jennifer Hudson hears things like “stole the show” or “owns the movie,” she doesn’t know what to say. Well, she needs to start thinking about it. The Chicago native has one of the breakout performances of the year with her role of Effie White in “Dreamgirls.” Hudson is incredibly humble in person, constantly saying that she is just glad to be a part of a film that stars Jamie Foxx, Beyonce Knowles and Eddie Murphy. “Dreamgirls” is the adaptation of the Broadway show about a trio of black female soul singer in the 1960s.
The audition process wasn’t easy for Hudson.
“They called me and asked me to audition for Effie White,” Hudson said. So she went in and heard things like, “You’re by far the best we’ve seen.” Time passed and eventually they called and told her she wasn’t being considered anymore. Suddenly, after two weeks they wanted her to do another screen test. Finally, the rest was history. Hudson landed the role, which has lead to a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
Hudson got her break from being on “American Idol” and is happy to move on from that experience. “I do believe it’s time for a different title,” she says. “I love my history (with the show) but that was three years ago. In my case, it was better to not win.”
Hudson grew up on the south side in Englewood. In fact, it’s the place she still calls home when she isn’t traveling around the world.
I sat down with Hudson to talk about Oscar buzz, being a diva and seeing her face on the cover of magazines …
Bayer: So many great voices in the film, was there ever a time where you guys sang together after hours? Hudson: No time for none of that. They all have double careers. Jamie Foxx during moments we’d be sitting around and grab a microphone or get on the piano, and he’d say, “Come on let’s sing this ...” We created a remix of “I’m Telling You” and stuff like that. Beyonce taught us her catwalk thing. Little moments like that on the set.
Bayer: I heard you were too nice on the set and had to do a diva camp? Hudson: Effie and I are different in certain ways, and she’s a diva. She does her own thing and can be quite overwhelming at times. Bill would tell me, “You’re too polite Jennifer, come in here late, do what you want to do, say what you want to say.” He would have me come in late and have him sitting there waiting for me. Effie moves when she wants to move, she says what she wants to say. I had to do all of that. Effie didn’t always get along with them. He would have me sit in the rehearsal while we were all supposed to be singing, and Beyonce would look at me and wonder why I wasn’t singing. Effie don’t do warm-up. Sorry y’all, but I’m Effie right now.
Bayer: Would you turn that on and off, or would you stay in character? Hudson: For the most part I stayed in character. It became a part of me. I was another person for six months. You’ll see Anika (Noni Rose, who plays the part of Lorrell Robinson) and Beyonce’s chairs together and mine would be on the other side of the room.
Bayer: Are you worried your fans will think you are Effie? Hudson: I think if they are a fan they would know who I am. I do like to talk to my fans. I get on myspace and make sure they know it’s really me. And hopefully I get to introduce people to Jennifer now, and they’ll realize (Jennifer and Effie) are really different. And hopefully they’ll know I’m portraying Effie and it’s not Jennifer.
Bayer: Was winning an Oscar ever on your list of things to do? Hudson: A Grammy. I never even thought of myself in the acting world. Anytime anyone mentions it, I’m just like, stop. Are you serious? Is this a joke? Wake up now. I’ve dreamed of the Grammys.
Bayer: The weight of a woman has always been an issue in Hollywood. There are actresses that have said they are very comfortable with their body. And then, as their popularity grows, their size shrinks and shrinks. How do you deal with that? Or maybe you haven’t had to yet. Hudson: Why fix something that ain’t broke? It hasn’t hindered me thus far. It doesn’t bother me what size I am. I love my size. I don’t like skin and bones, my momma would have a fit, honey. I had to gain some weight for the film. I gained 20 pounds and now I’ve lost it. Everybody can’t walk around skin and bones, somebody’s got to represent for the thick folks, why not me?
Bayer: You were on the cover of Entertainment Weekly. What do you think when you see that? Does your family buy every copy in sight? Hudson: You know what I tried. I was going to give all my guests a copy. I had 20 guests last night (at the screening). The only thing that stopped me from doing it was the store only had 10 left. I wanted to hand everyone a copy. … I am so proud and excited of that. I am in six magazines right now, and I’m like, get the Entertainment Weekly.
Hudson left me with her outlook on how she lives and sees the world.
“Singing is life. I can’t do anything without music. Just the sound of that wind (out the window of the interview room) is a melody to me. It’s what I do. I always say, ‘I am music and music is me.’”
If she keeps giving great performances like the one in “Dreamgirls,” acting will be life as well.