Academy Award winner Jennifer Kate Hudson (born September 12, 1981 in Chicago, Illinois) is an American singer and actress. She was one of the finalists on the third season of the reality/talent-search television series American Idol. She recently starred as Effie White alongside Beyoncé Knowles and Jamie Foxx in the big screen adaptation of the Broadway musical Dreamgirls. She beat out American Idol winner Fantasia Barrino to get the role.

Prior to American Idol, Hudson had worked as a singer and actor aboard cruise ships, but never had any formal musical training.

Jennifer recently won a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress (Musical or Comedy) for her role as Effie White in Dreamgirls. In many reviews she was described as the real break out star of the film, overshadowing her co-stars the much more popular and successful Beyoncé and Jamie Foxx. Her version of "And I Am Telling You, I'm Not Going" is thought to be the highlight of the movie and it's soundtrack. On February 25, 2007, Jennifer won the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her turn as Effie. She is currently busy working on her debut album of original material.

In 2008, Jennifer starred in the hit film Sex and the City alongside Sarah Jessica Parker playing Carrie's assistant who moved to NYC to "find love". Although only a small part, Jennifer made the character her own and also featured on the soundtrack with 'All Dressed In Love'.