After a two-year absence from the big screen, Jennifer Hudson follows up her Oscar-winning role in “Dreamgirls” with a small, but significant role as Carrie Bradshaw’s assistant in “Sex and the City,” which hits theaters Friday.
Hudson talked about the film, fashion, her upcoming CD and her hectic life with BET.com.
BET: Is it true you had never watched Sex and the City before landing a role in the film?
JH: Yes, I hadn’t seen it. But once I got the role and started watching the DVDs I could see why everyone loved it. I love it now.
BET: Which character do you identify with the most?
JH: I say Charlotte. She’s like the wholesome, traditional girl and that’s more like me. So I think I relate to Charlotte most.
BET: The TV series was as much about fashion as it was about the journeys of the characters. Are you label crazy or can you kick it with the knock-offs?
JH: Ooh, I won’t do a knock-off but I’ve never been like label crazy. They just asked me what was I wearing and I have no idea.
BET: Were you influenced by working with such fashionistas like Sarah Jessica Parker and Kim Cattrall?
JH: Oh yeah, definitely. I’m more into fashion now. Their level of it is exciting and makes it more interesting. It makes me want to experiment with my style and try and be a little Pat Fields Jr. (the SATC costume designer).
BET: Your debut CD drops in September. What’s the name of it and what can we expect to hear on it?
JH: I haven’t named it yet—because once I figure out all that’s going to be on it. I’ve recorded a million songs I feel like at this point. I didn’t realize the process would be so long but because I’ve been filming and don’t want to tie the two, when I’m working on one, I’m not working on the other.
BET: How does your music reflect who you are now in your life?
JH: I feel it definitely reflects because I feel like anything I sing happens—or I can definitely relate to. I don’t just sing anything. I feel like it should have a meaning or purpose—kind of serve some kind of purpose to sing a song. So a lot of the material definitely reflects where I am, where I’ve been and where I’m going.
BET: Which producers have you worked with?
JH: I’ve worked with Pharrell, I’ve worked with Timbaland, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis and I’m kind of in the midst of working with Missy (Elliott) and Ne-Yo, who wrote the single (“Spotlight”), T-Pain and Dianne Warren.
BET: Has all the craziness that engulfed you after Dreamgirls died down a bit or is it still pretty crazy?
JH: A bit of both. You have your moments when it gets quiet and I tuck myself away kind of thing. But I have had a break. That was crazy with the whole Dreamgirls thing and the Oscars and all of that. Oooh, I’m kind of glad you do get to come down from it because that was a roller coaster.