Jennifer Hudson Net Worth (Money & Salary)

What Is Jennifer Hudson’s Net Worth?

Jennifer Hudson, an American recording artist, actress, and spokesperson, has an impressive net worth of $30 million. She gained prominence through the competition series “American Idol” and has built a thriving career in both music and acting. Her accolades include multiple Grammys, an Academy Award, and a Screen Actors Guild award. Furthermore, she achieved a significant milestone on June 12, 2022, when she won a Tony award for her role as a co-producer on the play “A Strange Loop,” officially earning her a spot in the prestigious “EGOT” club – a group of individuals who have won an Emmy, Golden Globe, Oscar, and Tony. Renowned members of this club also include Whoopi Goldberg, John Legend, Audrey Hepburn, and Rita Moreno.

During the third season of “American Idol,” Hudson appeared as a strong contender for victory but faced elimination unexpectedly in the sixth week. The low vote count that led to her departure is often attributed to a power outage occurring in her hometown of Chicago. She subsequently had a role in the 2006 film adaptation of “Dreamgirls,” where her portrayal of Effie White, a character initially associated with Jennifer Holliday’s interpretation, earned her numerous accolades including an Oscar, BAFTA, Golden Globe, and a SAG Award for Best Supporting Actress. Her debut album, which was launched in 2007, received a Grammy and achieved Gold certification. In the spring of 2011, she released her sophomore album, which peaked at #2 on the “Billboard” 200 chart.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Born on September 12, 1981, in Chicago, Illinois, Jennifer Kate Hudson is the youngest of three children, raised in the Englewood neighborhood of the city. After graduating from Dunbar Vocational High School in 1999, she went on to Langston University to pursue further studies. However, due to homesickness, she left the university and enrolled at Kennedy-King College instead.

At the age of 7, Hudson started singing in her church choir, and her grandmother, Julia, encouraged her participation in community theater. In 2002, she took a significant step in her career by signing her first recording contract with the independent Chicago label Righteous Records. However, upon gaining a spot on the reality competition show “American Idol” in 2004, she was released from her five-year contract with that label.

Hudson’s initial audition for “American Idol” took place in Atlanta. Prior to this, she performed as one of the Muses from “Hercules” aboard the Disney Wonder cruise ship. Despite being a standout performer during the competition and receiving the highest number of votes in the Top 9 round, she was eliminated in the subsequent Top 7 round. Although she did not emerge victorious, Jennifer is recognized as one of the best contestants in the show’s history. In 2009, MTV ranked her as the sixth greatest “American Idol” contestant due to her shocking exit, while the “Los Angeles Times” identified her in 2010 as the third greatest contestant overall, following Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood.

Music Career

Following her departure from “American Idol” in 2004, Hudson engaged in several projects, including a duet titled “The Future Ain’t What It Used to Be” with Meat Loaf. In November 2006, she signed a recording agreement with Arista Records. Collaborating with producers Ryan Tedder and Timbaland, she developed multiple tracks for her debut album, which included the release of her first single “Spotlight” in June 2008. Hudson’s self-titled album was launched in September 2008 through Arista, featuring contributions from Ne-Yo and Stargate as writers and producers. It debuted at #2 on the “Billboard” 200 chart and received favorable reviews overall. The album also won Best R&B

At the 2009 Grammy Awards, her album was recognized, earning her nominations for two additional awards in the categories of Best Female R&B Vocal Performance and Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.

Released in March 2011, her second studio album, “I Remember Me,” debuted at #2 on the “Billboard” 200 chart. Subsequently, she released her album “JHUD” in 2014. In June 2016, Hudson became a signed artist with Epic Records.

Acting and Television Career

Hudson initiated her acting career in November 2005, taking on the role of Effie White in the film adaptation of the musical “Dreamgirls.” She shared the screen with renowned talents such as Jamie Foxx, Beyoncé, and Eddie Murphy. Securing the role, she surpassed hundreds of seasoned singers and actresses, including Fantasia Barrino, and garnered extensive acclaim for her performance. Notably, her interpretation of the song “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” was celebrated as outstanding. For her portrayal of Effie White, Hudson received 29 different awards, such as the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role, the BAFTA Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role, and the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. Additionally, she earned accolades as Best Supporting Actress from the Broadcast Film Critics Association and the Screen Actors Guild.

After “Dreamgirls,” Hudson took on supporting roles in various films, including “Sex and the City” (2008) and “The Secret Life of Bees” (2008). She transitioned to lead roles in films such as “Fragments” (2009), “Winnie Mandela” (2013), “Black Nativity” (2013), and “Cats” (2019). Hudson also made her Broadway debut in “The Color Purple” in 2015, earning a Grammy for Best Musical Theater Album in 2017 for her contributions to the production. Moreover, she has participated in television as a coach during the sixth and eighth seasons of “The Voice UK” and the thirteenth and fifteenth seasons of the American rendition of “The Voice.”

In 2021, Hudson portrayed Aretha Franklin in “Respect,” for which she was honored with Entertainer of the Year and Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture at the NAACP Image Awards. She launched her own talk show, “The Jennifer Hudson Show,” in September 2022.

Spokeswoman

In 2010, Hudson took on the role of spokesperson for Weight Watchers. During an episode of “The Oprah Winfrey Show” in February 2011, she disclosed that she had shed a total of 80 pounds. Furthermore, in 2012, Jennifer published an autobiography that chronicled her journey of weight loss.

Personal Life

From 1999 until late 2007, Hudson was in a relationship with James Payton. She then started dating WWE professional wrestler and Harvard Law graduate David Otunga. In September 2008, Hudson and Otunga became engaged, and their son David was born in August 2009. The couple ended their relationship in November 2017. In 2022, Jennifer began seeing rapper/actor Common, her co-star from the film “Breathe.”

On October 24, 2008, Hudson’s mother Darnell and brother Jason were tragically discovered shot to death in their Chicago home, where they lived with Hudson’s sister Julia. Reports indicated that Julia’s son Julian was missing, and his body was found three days later. Julia’s estranged husband, William Balfour, faced charges of three counts of first-degree murder and one count of home invasion. He received a sentence in July 2012 that included three life sentences without the possibility of parole, along with an additional 120 years for other convictions. In the wake of this tragedy, Hudson’s family established The Hudson-King Foundation for Families of Slain Victims and the Julian D. King Gift Foundation to honor her nephew.

Real Estate

In 2011, Jennifer acquired a stunning six-bedroom, seven-bathroom residence situated in the Burr Ridge suburb of Chicago. Constructed in 2007, the elegant home features a floating staircase, several laundry rooms, a personal movie theater, and hardwood floors. She acquired the property for slightly under $3 million, which was a significant markdown from its initial asking price. Spanning 12,000 square feet, the home offers plenty of space for her to showcase future awards alongside her already impressive collection.