From Aspiring Singer to American Idol - Jennifer Hudson's major introduction to the world came during the third season of American Idol. Though she did not win, her performances and star power helped cultivate a loyal following and opened up opportunities for her not just in music but movies as well. (Photo: Ray Mickshaw/WireImage)
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She's Not Goooing - Hudson's next big career move was portraying Effie White in the big-screen adaption of Dreamgirls, starring alongside Beyonce, Anika Noni Rose and Jamie Foxx. She would receive both an Oscar and Grammy nod for her rendition of "Love You I Do." (Photo: Dreamworks)
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Continued Accolades - No stranger to BET, Jennifer Hudson won the Best New Artist award during the 2007 BET Awards. (Photo: Michael Caulfield/WireImage for BET Network)
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Spokesperson Status - In 2010, Hudson became a spokesperson for Weight Watchers. In an interview with Oprah the following year, she revealed that she lost 80 pounds. (Photo: Weight Watchers Magazine, March/April 2013)
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A True Honor - Hudson helped shake things up in a positive way when she performed at BET Honors 2012. Honorees included Dr. Maya Angelou, Spike Lee and the Tuskegee Airmen. (Photo: Brad Barket/PictureGroup)
Photo By Brad Barket/PictureGroup
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A Beautiful and Somber Moment - Hudson captured the country's heart once again when she performed "America the Beautiful" with the Sandy Hook Elementary School Chorus before the start of Super Bowl XLVII. (Photo: Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
Photo By Photo: Chris Graythen/Getty Images
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