Showing posts with label Jennifer Hudson. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jennifer Hudson. Show all posts

Jennifer Hudson reveals why she turned down the meaty title role in Precious

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

'I didn't want to gain weight': Jennifer Hudson reveals why she turned down the meaty title role in Precious



By Laura Schreffler

Last updated at 2:38 AM on 27th December 2011


Jennifer Hudson could have had two Academy Award nominations under her belt, if only she hadn't turned down the title role in Precious.

The 30-year-old writes in her new book 'I Got This: How I Changed My Ways and Lost What Weighed Me Down' that she turned down a chance to read for the plum role for weight reasons.


No more weight gain! Jennifer Hudson, pictured here at VH1 Divas in NYC last week, turned down the title role in the 2009 Oscar-winning film Precious
No more weight gain! Jennifer Hudson, pictured here at VH1 Divas in NYC last week, turned down the title role in the 2009 Oscar-winning film Precious

In an excerpt from the book published by Uptown Magazine, she said: I had [gained weight] with Effie [in Dreamgirls]' and as much as I was moved by this film, I wanted to try a role that had nothing whatsoever to do with my weight.'

Instead, director Lee Daniels chose then-unknown actress Gabourey Sidibe for the part of Precious, an overweight and abused teen.

The film went on to accrue a plethora of awards and nominations, including six Oscar nods, including a Best Actress nomination for Sidibe.


Now and then: The 30-year-old, as photographed last week, went from a size 22 to a size 0
Now and then: The 30-year-old, as photographed last week, went from a size 22 to a size 0
Now and then: The 30-year-old, as photographed last week, went from a size 22 to a size 0

It would have been Hudson's second Academy Awards honour after winning Best Supporting Actress for Dreamgirls in 2006.

The former American Idol contestant's refusal to read for the role also caused some additional stress for the film's director.

Daniels told The Guardian back in 2009: 'We were weeks away from the shoot but I still hadn't found Precious.'


Oh Effie: Jennifer Hudson won an Oscar for her role as Effie in the 2006 film Dreamgirls
Oh Effie: Jennifer Hudson won an Oscar for her role as Effie in the 2006 film Dreamgirls


The winner: The role of Precious went to newcomer Gabourey Sidibe
The winner: The role of Precious went to newcomer Gabourey Sidibe

Modern day Gabby: The 28-year-old actress attended a premiere in NYC on December 15
Modern day Gabby: The 28-year-old actress attended a premiere in NYC on December 15

'Do you know how difficult it is to find a 300lb. black girl to be great in a movie? They don't exist in Hollywood.'

He can hardly blame Hudson for giving up the opportunity, given how focused she has become on staying slim in recent years.

She became the spokesperson for Weight Watchers in April of 2010, nearly nine months after giving birth to son David Daniel Otunga Jr.

Since signing on with the brand, she has dropped from a size 22 to a size 0.

She has managed to shed 80 pounds thus far and appears to be losing more and more weight each day.

She appeared at VH1 Divas Celebrate Soul in New York City last week looking thin yet still curvy in a Francesco Scognamiglio knit mini dress as well as the jewel-encrusted floor-length gown from The Blonds.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2078872/Jennifer-Hudson-reveals-turned-title-role-Precious-didnt-want-gain-weight.html#ixzz1hiiezqNG

Jennifer Hudson steps out in a mini dress and thigh-high boots at VH1 Divas Celebrates Soul

Monday, December 19, 2011

Shrinking Jennifer Hudson appears to have lost even MORE as she steps out in a mini dress and thigh-high boots



By Jade Watkins

Last updated at 10:02 AM on 19th December 2011




She has already shed an astonishing 80lbs with her successful Weight Watchers program.

But it appears that Jennifer Hudson has lost even more weight judging by her appearance at the VH1 Divas Celebrates Soul at Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City last night.

The 30-year-old Dreamgirls star looked slimmer than ever in a short mini-dress as she stepped on the red-carpet for the event.

SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO...


Shrinking: Jennifer Hudson looked slimmer than ever as she attended the VH1 Divas Celebrates Soul at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City
Shrinking: Jennifer Hudson looked slimmer than ever as she attended the VH1 Divas Celebrates Soul at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City
Shrinking: Jennifer Hudson looked slimmer than ever as she attended the VH1 Divas Celebrates Soul at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City


And while the singer and actress looked sensational, she showcased her svelte figure in an odd combination of a shiny short and tight dress with crochet collar and a pair of glittering thigh-high boots.

The outfit was completely mismatched and covered up the star's stunning frame.

But there was no doubt that Jennifer was comfortable in her skin.



Bejeweled: Jennifer later poured her curves into a multi-coloured bejeweled gown to perform
Bejeweled: Jennifer later poured her curves into a multi-coloured bejeweled gown to perform
She posed confidently with her hands on her hip on the red-carpet.
The VH1 Divas Live concerts were first created in 1998 in order to support the station's Save The Music Foundation.
This year's concert is designed to the cities such as Chicago, Detroit, London and Memphis that helped create or contributed to soul music.


Racy in red: Jennifer also slipped into a very revealing red minidress for one her performances
Racy in red: Jennifer also slipped into a very revealing red minidress for one her performances


Sexy: Jennifer certainly had stage presence in the attire
Sexy: Jennifer certainly had stage presence in the attire
Sexy: Jennifer certainly had stage presence in the attire

Hudson, Mary J. Blige, Kelly Clarkson, Florence + the Machine, Jessie J and Jill Scott were just some of the performers.

Jennifer was joined by a slew of other divas at the event this evening.

British singer Jessie J went for a risque look, slipping into a sheer black dress with just gold beading and embroidery to cover her modesty.


Daring: British singer Jessie J went for a risque look, slipping into a sheer black dress with gold beading and embroidery to cover her modesty
Daring: British singer Jessie J went for a risque look, slipping into a sheer black dress with gold beading and embroidery to cover her modesty
Daring: British singer Jessie J went for a risque look, slipping into a sheer black dress with gold beading and embroidery to cover her modesty


Country Music legend Dolly Parton as always arrived in a flamboyant ensemble, consisting of a bedazzled black dress and a pair of knee-high boots.

The 65-year-old was certainly a crowd pleaser, having a ball laughing and posing on the carpet.

Florence and the Machine vixen Florence Welch slipped into a stunning vintage style dress with sequinned front and sleeve.



VVibrant: The hit-maker later took to the stage wearing cut-out dress with multi-colored fringe
Vibrant: The hit-maker later took to the stage wearing cut-out dress with multi-coloured fringe




Getting her groove on: Jesse showed off her signature dance moves
Getting her groove on: Jesse showed off her signature dance moves
Getting her groove on: Jesse showed off her signature dance moves

The 25-year-old singer's fiery locks and porcelain skin were made up perfectly.

Hudson's weight loss has recently been the topic of conversation, most recently on The View.

Hudson was as shocked as anyone when host Joy Behar claimed she was a size zero.

After the chat show host made the comments, Hudson was subject to heavy criticism and a backlash over her size – but the singer has revealed she never said she was so small.


Different looks: Hudson is pretty in a floral shift dress, while Jessie J gets funky in a printed bodysuit
Different looks: Hudson is pretty in a floral shift dress, while Jessie J gets funky in a printed bodysuit

In an interview with Ebony magazine featured in the December/ January issue the former American Idol contestant spoke out about the weighty issue.

She said that she never claimed to be a size zero, which is a U.K. size four.

She explained: ‘I’m going to finally address that size-zero thing that Joy (Behar) said on The View. Hell, I wasn’t even on the show. I never said I was a size zero.’


Dollywood: Dolly Parton as always arrived in a flamboyant ensemble, consisting of a bedazzled black dress and a pair of knee-high boots
Dollywood: Dolly Parton as always arrived in a flamboyant ensemble, consisting of a bedazzled black dress and a pair of knee-high boots
Dollywood: Dolly Parton as always arrived in a flamboyant ensemble, consisting of a bedazzled black dress and a pair of knee-high boots


Duet: Dolly and Queen Latifah sang a duet on the night
Duet: Dolly and Queen Latifah sang a duet on the night

‘I got crucified by I don’t know how many people who cussed me out because they said I’m putting out the wrong message and telling people to be a size zero.

'I got called every name under the sun and was told, “You should be ashamed of yourself for talking about being that size.” Well, honey, when I do say I’m that size, then give me that speech. I never said that.’

Hudson became a spokeswoman for Weight Watchers and she has since lost 80lbs following the programme.


Vintage vixen: Florence Welch as always pulled off a stunning vintage style dress with sequined front and sleeves
Vintage vixen: Florence Welch as always pulled off a stunning vintage style dress with sequined front and sleeves
Vintage vixen: Florence Welch as always pulled off a stunning vintage style dress with sequined front and sleeves


Gorgeous: Florence later slipped into a gold metallic Twenties-style dress and went barefoot to perform
Gorgeous: Florence later slipped into a gold metallic Twenties-style dress and went barefoot to perform

Hudson - who discusses her weight loss journey in her 2012 book, I Got This: How I Changed My Ways and Lost What Weighed Me Down - said it was a long and steady battle.

She said: 'My weight loss didn't happen overnight. It's been two years.

'That's about the right amount of time to lose weight. So what's been drastic about that?


Dream in cream: Mary J Blige glittered in a long cream sequined gown with matching fur jacket
Dream in cream: Mary J Blige glittered in a long cream sequinned gown with matching fur jacket, while London singer Estelle shimmere
Dream in cream: Mary J Blige glittered in a long cream sequinned gown with matching fur jacket, while London singer Estelle shimmered in gold

'Just because you didn't see me working doesn't mean I wasn't.'

Hudson isn't the only member of her family to be successful on the Weight Watchers plan.




Flaunting their figures: Much like Jennifer, Mary slipped her curves into a figure-hugging dress to sing
Flaunting their figures: Much like Jennifer, Mary slipped her curves into a figure-hugging dress to sing


Stardom in threes: Jennifer, Mary and Kelly Clarkson all pose together before they take to the stage to perform
Stardom in threes: Jennifer, Mary and Kelly Clarkson all pose together before they take to the stage to perform




Attitude: Jennifer, Kelly and Mary gave some diva attitude at the end of their song
Attitude: Jennifer, Kelly and Mary gave some diva attitude at the end of their song

More than 75 of her relatives have succeeded on it.

Hudson has also recently dismissed rumours that she hasn't wed her fiance because they can't settle on a prenuptial agreement.

'I don't know where that came from, because that's not the issue at all,' she says. 'I thought that was so random.


Slim pins: Estelle showed off her slender legs in a short dress as she performed with Travie McCoy
Slim pins: Estelle showed off her slender legs in a short dress as she performed with Travie McCoy



Legends: Soul singers Martha Reeves and Chaka Khan put on their best smiles for the cameras
Legends: Soul singers Martha Reeves and Chaka Khan put on their best smiles for the cameras
Legends: Soul singers Martha Reeves and Chaka Khan put on their best smiles for the cameras

'Even if that were the case, it wouldn't be something we would discuss.'

In fact Hudson says the couple had agreed upon a wedding date before her family tragedy.

Jennifer''s mother and brother were killed in their Chicago home on October 24, 2008.


Belting out the tunes: Kelly and La La Anthony kept the crowd entertained with their strong voices
Belting out the tunes: Kelly and La La Anthony kept the crowd entertained with their strong voices
Belting out the tunes: Kelly and La La Anthony kept the crowd entertained with their strong voices


Chic: Singer Mavis Staples looked sophisticated in a beaded jacket over a black silk blouse and trouser combination
Chic: Singer Mavis Staples looked sophisticated in a beaded jacket over a black silk blouse and trouser combination

Her seven-year-old nephew Julian King was reported missing but was found dead three days later.

She says that before her mum, brother and nephew were all killed she was looking forward to 'the biggest, grandest wedding ever.'

Hudson says: 'After that happened, I was like: "I don't know what I want".


Arm candy: Reeves cuddled up to handsome rapper 50 Cent
Arm candy: Reeves cuddled up to handsome rapper 50 Cent







'A lot of things have happened in my life.

'There are a lot of things that I need to get adjusted to before I do anything else.

'That's how I feel about it.'

Hudson got engaged to Otunga shortly before the murders.

She says her brother wasn't initially supportive of the couple's plans, thinking they were moving too fast.


Hell for double leather: Mary later slipped into leather trousers AND leather thigh-high boots for her solo performance
Hell for double leather: Mary later slipped into leather trousers AND leather thigh-high boots for her solo performance


DCatching up: The pair were later joined by singer Jill Scott, who was electric in her blue gown
Catching up: The pair were later joined by singer Jill Scott, who was electric in her blue gown

My brother had the biggest issue with it,' she says. 'He cried.

'But I'm his baby sister, so of course he was going to have issues with it.

'[The rest of the family] would say: "Well, Jenny always seems to make the right decisions".

'I was being told this for a reason, so [I thought]: 'We're going to take our time'.

'Obviously, I listened.'

Zany do': American actress and singer Ledisi stepped out with a wild hairstyle

Zany do': American actress and singer Ledisi stepped out with a wild hairstyle


Dolly Trio: Mob Wives stars Angela
Trio: Mob Wives stars Angela "Big Ang" Raiola, Carla Facciolo and Drita D'avanzo were on hand for the celebration

In a heartfelt moment Hudson explains why she took on the role of a nun in the upcoming comedy The Three Stooges.

'It's so different from anything I've done,' she says. 'I play a nun.

'I feel like I'm getting my feet wet in comedy.

'Another reason I took this role is because my mum was a huge fan of the Three Stooges.'


Casual cool: Gym Class Heroes Travie McCoy was cosy and casual for the event in his attire
Casual cool: Gym Class Heroes Travie McCoy was cosy and casual for the event in his attire




Blast from the past: Boyz II Men members Nathan Morris, Wanya Morris and Shawn Stockman also performed at this evening's event
Blast from the past: Boyz II Men members Nathan Morris, Wanya Morris and Shawn Stockman also performed at this evening's event






Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2075969/Jennifer-Hudson-appears-lost-MORE-steps-mini-dress-thigh-high-boots.html#ixzz1h06bEqbr

Xmas Countdown 12.12.11 Obama's daughters fulfill every teenage girl's Christmas dream as they sing carols with Bieber

Monday, December 12, 2011

'OMG! It's Justin!' Obama's daughters fulfill every teenage girl's Christmas dream as they sing carols with Bieber (while Mom and Dad keep a watchful eye)



By Associated Press and Rachel Quigley

Last updated at 5:30 PM on 12th December 2011


If there was ever a perk to having a President for a father, the Obama girls discovered it yesterday.

Forget holidaying in Martha's Vineyard, trips to Africa, meeting the Muppets or even touring the Harry Potter set - Malia and Sasha Obama's dreams came true when they met heartthrob Justin Bieber.

Becoming the envy of practically every teenage girl and young woman across the world, the girls got the once-in-a-lifetime chance when they participated in the 30th annual Christmas in Washington concert.


Singing with the stars: (l-r) Conan O'Brien, Michelle Obama, Sasha, Malia, Barack, Jennifer Hudson, Victoria Justice and Justin Bieber attend the Christmas In Washington concert tonight
Singing with the stars: (l-r) Conan O'Brien, Michelle Obama, Sasha, Malia, Barack, Jennifer Hudson, Victoria Justice and Justin Bieber attend the Christmas In Washington concert tonight
Are you real? Malia Obama can't believe her luck as she gets to meet Justin Bieber onstage during Christmas in Washington 2011 at the National Building Museum yesterday
Are you real? Malia Obama can't believe her luck as she gets to meet Justin Bieber onstage during Christmas in Washington 2011 at the National Building Museum yesterday

Big fans: Sasha Obama looks equally as thrilled to meet the teenage heartthrob while Malia gazes at him adoringly
Big fans: Sasha Obama looks equally as thrilled to meet the teenage heartthrob while Malia gazes at him adoringly
The Obamas - along with a host of other stars including Jennifer Hudson, Cee Lo Green and Conan O'Brien - got in the festive spirit yesterday for the concert of Christmas carols to benefit the Children's National Medical Center in the capital.
Though President Obama ensured he put himself between his eldest daughter Malia and the pint-sized singer, the 13-year-old spent most of the concert sneaking adoring looks at him.
After a moving rendition of 'Hark! The Herald Angels Sing', Malia and her younger sister Sasha, ten, ensured they got to meet Bieber in person as soon as the concert ended.
Wearing a yellow, bell-sleeved mini dress, Malia looked like all her Christmases had come at once as she chatted with the star - who looked dapper in a white and black suit.
At one time she reached out to touch his shoulder - a hand that she may never wash - as Sasha stood by her side, waiting for her turn.
When the 'Baby' singer give her a hug, the ten-year-old - wearing a pink strappy party dress - beamed from ear to ear as well as looking a little shell shocked that it was actually happening.
The singer, who is dating Selena Gomez, tweeted afterwards: 'Great night! President Obama is one cool Prez. He told me he was "chillin". #PresidentialSWAG.'
Sasha Obama and Justin Bieber pose onstage
Sasha Obama and Justin Bieber pose onstage
A family affair: Justin Bieber shakes hands with Obama who he calls 'one cool Prez' and gives youngest daughter Sasha a cuddle as she beams from ear to ear

Parent's approval: Mother Michelle Obama takes her turn at meeting the teenage heart throb her two daughters swoon over
Parent's approval: Mother Michelle Obama takes her turn at meeting the teenage heart throb her two daughters swoon over


U.S. President Barack Obama gives a high five to a child, dressed as an elf
US President Barack Obama (right) and First Lady Michelle Obama greet children dressed as elves
High five: Barack Obama greets a child dresses as an elf (left) as First Lady Michelle also said hello

Santa's little helpers: Barack Obama and wife Michelle along with daughters Sasha (left) and Malia greet patients from the Children's Medical Center dressed as elves at the annual Christmas In Washington concert
Santa's little helpers: Barack Obama and wife Michelle along with daughters Sasha (left) and Malia greet patients from the Children's Medical Center dressed as elves at the annual Christmas In Washington concert

In honour of the 'season to celebrate miracles', Obama spoke about the story of Jesus' birth during a short speech to the crowd.

He said the story of Jesus Christ has changed the world by teaching basic values such as loving one another, serving the less fortunate and keeping faith.

Obama said: 'Those are values that are shared by all faiths. Let us all rededicate ourselves to each other in that spirit.'

Before the concert, the Obamas greeted patients of the children's medical center dressed as elves and presented them with a basket of books.


Looking festive: The Obama family gather under the Christmas tree as they attend the 30th fundraising carol concert in the capital
Looking festive: The Obama family gather under the Christmas tree as they attend the 30th fundraising carol concert in the capital


Justin Bieber
Victoria Justice
Stars: Justin Bieber (left) and Victoria Justice (right) performed

Festive: The National Building Museum in Washington DC was packed out for the show
Festive: The National Building Museum in Washington DC was packed out for the show

Obama playfully struggled to lift the basket and asked the elves to help him place it under the Christmas tree.

Justin Bieber, Cee Lo Green, Jennifer Hudson, The Band Perry and Nickelodeon star Victoria Justice took turns singing holiday classics. Bieber, 17, sang his Christmas hit 'Mistletoe'.

Jennifer Hudson sang 'Do You Hear What I Hear' with the help of the American Family Choir.


Christmas greetings: Barack Obama, wife Michelle and daughters Sasha (left) and Malia (right) say hello th a group of children dressed as elves
Christmas greetings: Barack Obama, wife Michelle and daughters Sasha (left) and Malia (right) say hello th a group of children dressed as elves




Comedian Conan O'Brien
Cee Lo Green
Star studded: Comedian Conan O'Brien (left) hosted the event, and Cee Lo Green (right) performed





Group shot: Malia and Barack Obama stand with Jennifer Hudson, Victoria Justice, and Justin Bieber before singing Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Group shot: Malia and Barack Obama stand with Jennifer Hudson, Victoria Justice, and Justin Bieber before singing Hark! The Herald Angels Sing

She told the crowd: 'I don't know how many times I've sang for the president, but every time feels like the first time.'

Other entertainers included the United States Naval Academy Glee Club, Washington Youth Choir, United States Army Band Herald Trumpets, Ian Fraser and the Christmas In Washington Orchestra.

To end the evening, the First family gathered with the performers to sing Hark The Herald Angels Sing.

The concert will air on Friday on TNT.

The most wonderful time of the year: President high-fives a young patient as they excitedly crowd round the Obamas at the carol concert in the National Building Museum
The most wonderful time of the year: President high-fives a young patient as they excitedly crowd round the Obamas at the carol concert in the National Building Museum