Style Evolution: Jennifer Hudson
It's been a few whirlwind years for Jennifer Hudson: The Chicago native went from singing on a Disney Cruise ship to singing on American Idol to singing her way to an Oscar. As her career has progressed, so has her style.
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Hudson was one of 11,000 hopefuls auditioning for the third season of American Idol in Atlanta, GA. After impressing judge Randy Jackson with a rendition of Aretha Franklin's "Share Your Love With Me," the singer was on her way to Hollywood, where she wowed the voters with The Four Tops hit, "I Believe in You and Me." Her cotton candy colored ruffled number (with matching headband) was less popular.
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On her way to the top 12, Hudson charmed Idol viewers with her laid back style and her memorable performances of hits like Whitney Houston's "I Have Nothing" and Elton John's "Circle of Life."
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While the contestants have wardrobe consultants for their performances, off the air they are on their own. In those days, Hudson was still finding her way, wearing pink sandals, capris, and a jean jacket on the carpet for the American Idol Season 3's Top 12 Finalists Party.
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Fantasia Barrino was America's Idol (Hudson came in sixth) but a bigger prize was waiting: a star making turn as Effie White in the long-awaited film adaptation of the Broadway smash "Dreamgirls." Hudson made the transition to Hollywood star in a white goddess gown with a plunging neckline for the New York premiere in 2006.
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The voluptuous beauty poured herself into a black and white belted style for the Los Angeles premiere of Dreamgirls.
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It was Idol overload in 2006 at the Carousel of Hope Ball, one of Hollywood's most glamourous events: Hudson dazzled in a bold orange gown, she got to meet her own Idol, the legendary Whitney Houston and the evening's entertainment was provided by another runner-up, Katharine McPhee.
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With cascading curls and a Vera Wang gown handpicked by Vogue editor-at-large Andre Leon Talley, Hudson gains some serious style cred at the Golden Globe Awards. While she was at the top of many best-dressed lists, the actress also took home an award: Best Actress in a Supporting Role.
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Vogue editor-at-large Andre Leon Tally became Hudson's most vocal fan. "She's got a true talent for fashion. She has her own style and she knows what looks good on her. And it's ultra-feminine." At the 13th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards (where she took home another trophy), Hudson went Va-Va- Vegas in a skin-tight, beaded Michael Kors gown.
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The "Queen of the Awards Season" rocked Roberto Cavalli at the 2007 Grammys .
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