Jennifer Hudson Is On Fire

[Editor's note: This interview and photo shoot were conducted prior to SAG/AFTRA strike activity.]

Jennifer Hudson absolutely deserves diva status. With a voice that could be considered the finest on Earth, an impressive EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony), and powerhouse friends like Oprah and the Obamas—just to name a few—the case for her legendary status is undeniable. There are even whispers of a romance with a famous figure, plus the celeb nickname 'JHud.' By every measure, Jennifer could easily be high-maintenance and distant. Instead, she’s a hard-working, kind-hearted go-getter so warm and genuine, you might start to feel concerned for her well-being.

Nearly two decades ago, she made her debut as the R&B prodigy who should have won American Idol. Her response? To walk away with perhaps the most universally agreed-upon Best Supporting Actress Oscar ever, for her portrayal of Effie White in 2006’s Dreamgirls. In 2008, tragedy struck with the heartbreaking loss of her mother, brother, and nephew. She kept going, launching a solo music career that earned her two gold records and collaborations with musical legends like Alicia Keys, Pharrell Williams, and Bono. She later graced the big screen again, most notably voicing Young Nana, the caftan-wearing sheep singing a stunning Beatles cover in the 2016 animated hit Sing. Fast forward to last year, and she dove into the fiercely competitive talk-show world. Despite the crowded field and steep learning curve, The Jennifer Hudson Show attracted a parade of A-list guests, including Vice President Kamala Harris, and received six daytime Emmy nominations—all in its debut season. That’s the power of Jennifer’s unique charm and relentless hustle. Whether she’s filming back-to-back hour-long episodes, performing at the White House’s first major Juneteenth celebration, or hosting a group of her 14-year-old son David’s friends at her Chicago home, Jennifer always brings her best. It was in Chicago, at local gay clubs, that she honed her makeup skills. (And yes, she can totally do her own glam—just search for the video where she applies a flawless cat-eye.) Each morning, Jennifer walks to Starbucks, often with David, for her daily coffee fix. On weekdays, you might catch her cycling from her office to the studio on the Warner Bros. lot, backpack in tow. Her favorite daily ritual? Sitting on a bench in the sun, gazing at the mountains. In June, we met in Los Angeles to chat about everything—from her strategies for resetting for fall to how she’s juggling her second season of the talk show, her son’s freshman year of high school, and the usual whirlwind of daily life.

LAUREN IANNOTTI: So, where do we begin? Did you do anything special for Juneteenth?

JENNIFER HUDSON: Well, I had the honor of singing at the White House for their first Juneteenth celebration. It was incredible—absolutely historic.

LI: You brought your son along with a whole crew of his friends. What made you decide on that entourage?

JH: I want my son—and his cousins and friends—to be a part of these meaningful moments. Little David has a heart full of love and always wants to include them. So I said, ‘I’ll sing, but I’m bringing my boys.’ I told them, ‘One day, when you’re older and have children, you’ll say, ‘I was there for the first Juneteenth.’’ And to be able to sing for that occasion—it's a memory I’ll always cherish.

LI: Speaking of milestones, congratulations on your talk show being renewed! How does it feel as you launch into season two?

JH: Thank you! I feel like the show truly reflects who I am and how I connect with people. The only real difference is the cameras are rolling. I want it to be a place where everyone feels welcome to sit on the couch, share their story, and be celebrated. Every person has a unique superpower, a talent—not just playing an instrument or acting or singing, but whatever they’re passionate about. I get to surround myself with people who specialize in something, and because of their deep passion, I find it fascinating. LI: People who are passionate are the best.

JH: It’s all about the passion and love for what you do. Everyone has a story. No matter who you are, where you’re from, or what you’ve accomplished, I’m interested. And if nobody else is cheering you on, Jennifer Hudson will be. That’s the message I want the world to know.

Jennifer Hudson, on her innate curiosity

LI: I love how daytime talk shows are increasingly led by Black women, and it seems like these hosts are bringing their authentic selves to the table.

JH: Yes, we’re in a time where people crave authenticity. That’s the most beautiful part of it all. For too long, we’ve been covering up and hiding the truth, but when we open up and share, it reminds us we’re not alone.

LI: You had Chaka Khan on your show last season, and she told you she was proud of you. You responded, ‘Yes, ma’am. I’m listening.’ You’ve accomplished so much, yet you bring a sense of humility and respect for others to everything you do.

JH: It’s essential for people to know that you can stay humble while achieving great things. When I have the chance to talk to legends like Chaka Khan and others I’ve admired, it’s important to give them their flowers and show respect. That doesn’t diminish your own achievements. And just because you’ve accomplished a lot doesn’t make you superior to anyone else. My mother used to write us letters, and I found one where she said, ‘It’s beautiful to see all you’ve achieved, but what I’m most proud of is the person you’ve become and how you treat others.’ The trophies on my wall don’t define who I am as a person. When I meet anyone, I want to connect with their true self, and I hope they can see mine too.”

LI: Can you tell me about your foundation?

JH: My sister and I founded the Julian D. King Gift Foundation to honor my late nephew, and we dedicated it to him, my mother, and my brother. It's a way for us to stay connected to them. The foundation focuses on giving back to the youth of Chicago, ensuring they have the school supplies they need. No child should ever have to worry about how they'll get their backpack, if their shoes will be mocked, or if they have the tools necessary to succeed. We've had parents tell us that it came down to paying rent or buying school supplies for their kids. We also host a holiday toy drive to bring joy. Our goal is to remind these kids that their positivity is recognized, supported, and encouraged to keep shining.

LI: So, you're running this foundation, taping your show, producing, promoting, doing TV appearances and film cameos, and you're a single mom. How do you find time for yourself?

JH: We often neglect ourselves. I was just at home thinking, ‘I have this huge house, but the only space that’s really mine is my bedroom.’ It's like that in life—we give so much to everyone around us that, as women and mothers, we end up squeezed into a small corner of our own lives. Why shouldn't we make room for ourselves? We deserve space, grace, compassion, and consideration. That's something I’m actively working on—constantly striving to improve myself in life.

My mother used to say, 'Where there’s a will, there’s a way.' And whenever I find myself stuck—whether I’m stressed, scared, or exhausted—I think, 'What would my mama say? What would she do?' That always helps me. And sometimes, you just need to say, I can’t do this today. Meet yourself where you are. We’re good at giving to others, but sometimes we need to stop and consider ourselves. That’s the phase I’m in now. I can’t say I’ve always been this way, but I’m older now.

I also make sure to have my David walks. A simple morning stroll with my son to Starbucks. It helps me collect myself by finding moments of peace in the small things. Everything happens in little windows of time. It's like stealing small vacations for yourself. I’d love a real vacation, though. One of my birthday wishes when I turned 40 was to have an entire week off. I’m still waiting for that, and now I’m about to turn 42.

LI: You mean you haven’t had a full week off in two years?!

JH: My poor phone is overwhelmed, it’s like, ‘Wow, she hasn’t even turned me off yet.’

LI: You’re really stressing out your phone, huh? I’m almost afraid to ask what’s next.

JH: I’ve got an album coming soon. While I’m hosting a talk show, that doesn’t mean I’ll stop singing or acting. My passion is in doing everything that excites me.

LI: Do you even get any sleep?

JH: You’ve got to! I’m up and going every day. I don’t sit down until all my work is done. I live each day to the fullest because I’m grateful for it. So when I do sleep, I feel like I’ve earned it. I’m not a napper, but if Jenny’s napping, then baby, I’m tired!

LI: Since your show takes a break for the summer, does it feel like going back to school in the fall?

JH: David and I always joke that we’re both starting a new school year! My son’s got a jam-packed schedule, and I love being there for him, so I’m learning to balance everything. It used to be that I’d hold his hand and take him to the park, but now it’s more like, how do I mother you? Trying to figure that out, and how we both fit into this new chapter.

LI: What’s it like raising a Black teenage son in today’s world?

JH: My son goes to a mostly white school, and he rocks a huge afro. He loves walking in there with his hair out and the pick in it. And I’m like, 'Do you understand the statement you’re making?' Just the way he wears his hair makes a statement. He’s really grounded in who he is, and he’s completely comfortable with that. As a mom of a Black son, you have to make him aware of certain things—like his place in this world. There are so many layers for him to understand, but he’s at an age now where he gets it. And he’s far more advanced than I could have imagined.

LI: What are your must-haves as a parent?JH: Well, I’m fortunate—he’s a good kid. Like all my boys, he knows how to behave. The more responsibility he shows, the more freedoms he earns. For little David, my biggest thing is helping him set his priorities straight. Education comes first, clean your room, and pitch in around the house. Learning to help and contribute—those are the things he’s working on.

LI: How’s the dating scene for you as a single mom?

JH: My mom was very particular about who she allowed around us, and I follow that same principle. I’m incredibly cautious and protective. I also understand that, as a child, you don’t want to see your mom with anyone new. So, I’m very mindful of that. It took a while before I felt comfortable dating because my focus has always been on my child. The energy of who you bring into your life is so important. I’m very selective and sensitive when it comes to that.

LI: Is there anyone on your mind right now? Maybe Common? I’m asking about Common.

JH: I’ll leave it at that.

LI: Alright, here’s a fun Mytour question: Is there anything you have too much of? Anything you think could use some decluttering or reorganizing?

JH: For some reason, I’m thinking socks. I can never seem to find the match! We just got back from traveling, and I’m always cold on flights, so I keep socks in my purse. I even sleep in them. But it’s such a hassle when you find one sock but can’t locate the other—it’s so disappointing, especially when it’s your favorite pair.

Jennifer Hudson, on keeping the faith

LI: Wow, right?! Last question: It’s been two decades since Idol. If you could give advice to your younger self, what would you say?

JH: “Don’t let anyone shake your belief.” The ones who say, “But what if…?”—don’t pay them any mind. When others try to bring doubt to your dreams, it’s only because they can’t dream as big as you can.

LI: That’s such solid advice. Thank you for your amazing energy. Is there anything else you’d like to share?

JH: Mr. Common—Rashid, as we call him—he’s an absolutely wonderful man. And that’s all I have to say about that.

Acknowledgements