Jennifer Hudson first gained national recognition as a finalist on the third season of "American Idol" in 2004. She has released several successful albums, showcasing her powerful vocal talent, and won a Grammy Award for her debut self-titled album. Hudson made her film debut in "Dreamgirls", where her portrayal of Effie White earned her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. In 2022 she achieved the rare EGOT status after winning a Tony Award as a producer on the musical A Strange Loop.