Oscar frontrunner Jennifer Hudson stops in Big D; Devout Baptist sticks with Bible on same-sex issues

DIVA IN TRAINING: Hudson — you can call her J. Hud — gets ready for a scene as Effie White in “Dreamgirls.”

This week, Jennifer Hudson graces the covers of both The Advocate and HX. If her name doesn't ring a bell, just wait. Hudson's star is about to burst into a supernova.

In the movie adaptation of "Dreamgirls," Hudson plays Effie White, the prized role that transformed thunder-voiced Jennifer Holiday into a Broadway legend.

How does the new celluloid version of Effie compare?

In the words of Oprah, Hudson is "brilliant," "transcendent" and "fierce."
Not only is Hudson a shoo-in for an Oscar nod, she'll probably walk away with the statue.

In a big push to showcase the film's breakout star, Hudson visited Dallas last week for a roundtable interview. And I am telling you Hudson is as sweet as honey. She's charming and funny. And whenever someone compliments her performance, she practically gushes with modesty.

Move over, Halle Berry. Y'all meet the new African-American sweetheart.
Another reason why Hudson is being lavished with affection is that she's an underdog who's now back in the ring.

The 25-year-old Chicagoan is an "American Idol" reject. During the show's third season, Hudson lost to Fantasia Barrino. And Simon Cowell has been gladly eating his stinging remarks especially since Hudson recently inked a deal with recording legend Clive Davis of Arista Records.

However, during her appearance on "Oprah" and other TV shows, you can't help notice how often Hudson makes shout-outs to God. Which is fine but ever since Karl Rove mobilized the evangelicals, gays and lesbians become anxious when they hear anything that sounds remotely like proselytizing.

How Christian is Hudson?

As a kid, Hudson says she visited Dallas a few times.

"For church conventions," she explains.

What's her faith background?

"I'm Baptist, if that's what you mean," she says.

In "Dreamgirls," the song "One Night Only" is the soulful ballad that becomes Effie's shot at a solo career. But through a payola scheme, the song gets co-opted by Deena and the Dreams, and Effie's version gets lost in the dust.
On Dec. 30 in New York City, Hudson is the featured entertainer at "One Night Only," arguably Manhattan's gayest event during New Year's Eve weekend. Tickets start at $65, and the singer-actress shares a bill with superstar DJ Junior Vasquez.

As a Baptist who's singing at circuit party, has Hudson reconciled her spiritual beliefs and her gay fan base? Does she support same-sex marriage?
"Nobody has ever asked me these questions," she says.
"Everybody sins," Hudson continues. "No sin is greater or different than the other. To each his own. If it don't bother Jennifer, then Jennifer don't mind. I don't really even think about it because I don't believe in judging people for what they do."

GAYEST-LOOKING MOVIE OF THE YEAR: “Dreamgirls” opens in Dallas on Christmas Day.

When referencing themselves, lots of divas probably do that schizophrenic thing where they toggle between first and third person. But did Hudson just say that being gay is a sin?

"According to the way we're taught, and what it says in the Bible it is," Hudson says.

If her answers didn't already sound like fundamentalist clich?s, Hudson then added, "I have plenty of gay friends."

Her answers were surprising.

I had a hunch that Hudson was religious. But when it came to questions about the gay community, I had hoped she might emerge with a thoughtful response.

Because she's a relatively new star, some may say it's unfair that Hudson should be asked to comment on social issues. But another reporter at the roundtable pointed out that Hudson is a zaftig, dark-skinned woman. He asked Hudson if she feels a responsibility to represent young African-American women in a positive light.

"I do think it's important to be a good role model," she says. "It just occurred to me a few days ago that I might be a role model. I'm sure that's a part that comes with the territory. And I want to make sure I represent them well. And give all females no matter what age, what race something to look up to."
Part of "Dreamgirls" chronicles the rise of the Civil Rights movement. I tell Hudson that gay audiences might feel a connection because they're still fighting for equal rights. And when it comes to same-sex issues, all sorts of people might look to Hudson to shed positive light.

"I feel we should all have our rights," she says. "It shouldn't concern everybody else what somebody's personal life has going on."

The writer-director of "Dreamgirls" is Bill Condon ("Gods and Monsters," "Kinsey," "Chicago"). And David Geffen, the backer for the original Broadway musical, serves as the film's co-producer. Of course, "Dreamgirls" was tailor made for black audiences.

"But come on," I tell Hudson. "This movie is about as gay as it gets."

"Wow," she says while laughing.

HUDSON'S GAY HONEYMOON ALREADY IN HIGH GEAR

The diva and the DJ

Borrowing the title from the "Dreamgirls" tune "One Night Only," Hudson and super-DJ Junior Vasquez team up for a night of diva worship and shirtless dancing. Vasquez has already cut a re-mixed version of the tune, and Hudson's performance is billed as a "live concert."

On her recent Dallas visit, Hudson was asked about what type of music she'll be performing.

"I don't know. All I know is that it's in New York," she said.

Will she attempt any songs from the "Dreamgirls" soundtrack?

"Maybe a few," she said.

Dec. 30 at 10 p.m. New York's Hammerstein Ballroom. Tickets, $65-$130.


J. Hud's gay love

Neither the interviews in HX nor The Advocate probe Hudson on the harmony between her spiritual beliefs and her gay fan base. But Brandon Voss of HX asks Hudson about tips for drag entertainers hoping to emulate the "Dreamgirls" star.

"Be fierce, honey, and work it!" Hudson says. "And don't forget to throw that hand on the hip for that big note at the end."

Voss also asks Hudson if she's prepared for gay-icon status.

"I've been prepping for it for a long time with ["American] Idol" and even before. I love it. I think the world of the gay community, and I feel like it's an honor," she said. "The gay community is the hardest community to please, so if they love me, I must be fierce, honey".  

Oh yeah, she's already been bestowed with a new nickname: "J. Hud"

"'Dreamgirls' actress Hudson responds

Editor's note: The statement below refers to the article ""'Dreamgirl' says Gay is a sin,' published on Page 47 of this issue of Dallas Voice.

In a recent interview, I was asked how I reconciled being a Christian with performing at events for my gay fans. I find it upsetting that some folks equate being a Christian with being intolerant of gay people. That may, unfortunately, be true for some, but it is not true for me.

I have talked often of my love and support of the gay community. I have said again and again that it was the gay community that supported me long before and long after "American Idol" and kept me working and motivated. It is the gay community that celebrated my voice and my size and my personality long before "Dreamgirls."

Yes, I was raised Baptist. Yes, I was taught that the Bible has certain views on homosexuality. The Bible also teaches us not to judge. It teaches us to love one another as God loves us all. I love my sister, my two best friends and my director dearly. They happen to be gay. So what?

While some search for controversy, I hope that my friends and fans who know me, know where I stand.

Thank you for allowing me to respond, and I wish Dallas Voice and its readers a happy holiday season.

Jennifer Hudson




This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition, December 8, 2006.