Photo: Chris Floyd / Camera Press / Redux
You often say you like to “Jenniferize” people. It’s a difference from the Jennifer Hudson persona that everyone sees, versus when you meet me, the person. … I like people to be comfortable, and once they get a chance to sit with me, JHud or Jennifer-the-girl, they say, “Oh, she’s cool. She’s just JHud. I feel so good being around her energy.” … That’s the goal in this album. It’s my energy through the music. Musically, as a person, my personality, my perspective. Everyone says, “This album seems more upbeat and it feels different.” And that is because you’re getting to know me. And I call that “Jenniferizing.” As a teen, you performed in gay clubs? Oh my God! It’s a huge part of my background! That’s how I really started performing and getting out. The gay community definitely embraced me first and always supported me. I used to sing at a club here in Chicago called the East of the Ryan. They had talent shows on certain nights of the week and they would tip the drag queens when they would perform. And it gave me an idea. I called my assistant and said, “Wait a minute. I sing for real … so I’m going to go up there and sing.” Then I started making a lot of tips and that was my weekly thing. So it was the place to be able to groom my talent and perform. I don’t think there’s a bolder crowd to perform for than the gay community. And before that? My first solo was in church. I was seven years old. My grandmother was the lead solo in our church, so she used to teach me songs and I would sing them in choir rehearsal. Pleasant Gift Missionary Baptist Church — it’s a family church that we all grew up in. Some people contend that you can’t be a person of faith and also be supportive of LGBT people. I don’t think that’s a fair statement to say. Everybody is their own individual. I think we all have our own beliefs and feelings and how we go about life. …I feel as though as long as you’re happy, it doesn’t matter. And who are we to judge anyone, you know?
Tell me about your work on Disney cruise ships. It was a great experience — actually 10 years ago to the day, pretty much. I worked on the Disney Wonder Cruise ship. I was a part of the main stage cast where we did the “Welcome Aboard” show, really just a variety show. …That’s part of how I was able to get Dreamgirls as well, because they took that as an acting credit. How was it playing Winnie Mandela in Winnie? She’s such an iconic figure, and just to see the impact that she’s had on Africa and the world. I was intimidated by the role — by the time I got to Africa to film, I actually considered going back home. I didn’t know much about Winnie Mandela until I received the script. Once I read it, I said, “Why don’t we know this part of history?” I just wanted to help get the story told and out there. It was an honor to be able to do that. Where would you say you got your confidence from? I have to give that credit to my family, to the women in my family and my mother — the way she raised us was just to “Do your best. Put your best foot forward. No matter whatever you do, and always say, ‘If God placed me there I have no choice but to be prepared.’” I remember when I first started filming Dreamgirls and we had rehearsals. Beyoncé walked into the room and I thought, “Oh, my God. It’s Beyoncé.” But I told myself, “Beyoncé had to do a job just like you; you have to start somewhere.” … I just hopped into it and took advantage of the opportunity, especially considering the experience of coming from “American Idol,” and being eliminated, so it’s like having a second chance. So, I said, “No, I’m not missing the boat on this one.” I just stayed focused. Any acting plans in your future? I’m definitely seeing what’s out there. My dream role would be to play Aretha Franklin.
Her album, “JHUD,” will be released Sept. 23, 2014 (Sony/RCA Records). See www.JenniferHudson.com.
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LATE SUMMER/EARLY FALL 2014
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