By Karu F. Daniels, AOL Black Voices
She may be on the road to Oscar gold, but 'Dreamgirls' star Jennifer Hudson isn't pulling any punches getting there.
The heavyset Chicago native, who is nominated for a Best Supporting Actress trophy at this year's Academy Awards, tells 'Essence' magazine that her experience on the top rated televised talent competition, 'American Idol,' was "abusive."
"On 'American Idol,' you go through this mental thing," she said in a revealing interview with 'Essence' contributor Denene Milner -- to be published in the magazine's March edition.
"You've been abused, misled and brainwashed to believe whatever they want you to think. You become a character ... I just knew I had to sing my way out of it."
"I don't believe in looking back, and I didn't look back."
This is coming from the woman who Simon Cowell lambasted when her version of Barry Manilow's "Weekend in New England" got her booted off the hit show.
"You get one shot ...you ain't never gonna be seen again," he scolded.
Well, as we all know -- she's getting the last laugh and possibly will gain more notoriety than any of the actual winners of 'American Idol.'
"The show couldn't take away my talent," Hudson said.
That's true. Everyone from Oprah Winfrey to BV Buzz columnist Jawn Murray -- who broke the news that Hudson was cast in the starring 'Dreamgirls' role -- is singing her praises every opportunity they can get.
Earlier this week, she appeared on 'Oprah' singing her Oscar nominated song 'Love You I Do.' It was there that she revealed plans to sing during the international telecast, and go into the studio for her J Records debut in March.
Hudson also had words about original 'Dreamgirls' star Jennifer Holliday, who have been making the media rounds about the movie -- and making sure people don't forget her legacy. (The two-time Grammy Award winner and one-time Tony Award winner's original version of the song "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" is etched into music history as a preeminent tour de force.)
"First off, don't let that be the only song you're performing. Pursue other things and don't just limit yourself to that. I don't intend to say, '[OK], I'm going to sing this song for the rest of my life, and this will be the only character that I portrayed.' I'm Jennifer, not Effie. I'm flexible and different and have other dreams and other goals and songs to pursue."
Wow wee.
BV Extras:
-- Broadway and television veteran Roz Ryan took over the role of Effie in the original Broadway production of 'Dreamgirls'. Find out what the diva dished about the role, past and present here.
Comments: (603)
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By: Sheerah on 2/01/2007 3:44PM
Why when writing about Jennifer the first that is written to describe her is heavyset, why not beautiful?
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By: Cheryl on 2/01/2007 3:58PM
I think she should keep her mouth shut. It will do her no good in the long run to run her mouth about her past. Especially about "Idol". She had an opportunity, she took it, and she doing well now. That's all. No one said that the people who run "Idol" are perfect but they DID give her a chance. She should appreciate every chance she's been given. She might not be where she is now if through Idol hadn't been taken. Be Grateful and shut up.
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By: Barbara Burrell on 2/05/2007 10:59PM
Amen Sheerah ! Why does she need to be refered to as heavyset???? She is a beautiful black woman. Period.I'm sure Karu wouldn't like if someone described him/she as funny lookin'.
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By: Mary on 2/01/2007 10:47PM
I agree with everything she says. She is a wonderful person and role model. I think it is great that she is candid and honest about her experiences on Idol. To the person on these comments who told her to shut up, it was her experience, and she has the right to discuss it. Simon had the right to say what he said without you telling him to shut up, correct? Just like you have the right to say your opinion, and no one is telling you to shut up. Go Jennifer!
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By: Elle on 2/01/2007 11:14PM
She IS heavyset, and not beautiful..Not to take anything away from her, but she doesn't have the best singing voice I've ever heard. I can go the rest of my life and never hear or see her agian and be very satisfied. She did well in the movie, but all the rest of it is hype. She's getting her 15 minutes. She'll put out a few mediocre r&b cd's full of the hooping and hollering that women in her genre of music do. Then she'll go away...
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By: Gigohead on 2/01/2007 10:07PM
I agree the heavy set part was uncalled for. However, her comments were heavy set. She should have not bit the hand that fed her...a lot I may add.
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By: Duane on 2/01/2007 10:01PM
Whats the big deal about just another fat untalented singer. get a life lady.. it just shows you what some people think is good singing.
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By: Rosetta on 2/02/2007 4:35PM
Jennifer has every right to comment on her treatment and experience when she appeared on Idol, esp. after the way
Simon lambasted her I am sure she is happy for the exposure she got, but the way Simon treated her was hurtful, embarassing, and as we all know now -- very wrong. She is right to speak out.
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By: PHK3 on 2/01/2007 7:22PM
Why is the first adjective to describe Jennifer Hudson in the article, "heavyset." She is a beautiful woman! I have to admit I had my reservations when I first sat in the theater to see the movie, I love Jennifer Holiday, however, I have to say hands down she stole the whole movie. She is a superstar on the rise, and I hope that she has much continued success.
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By: Nan on 2/01/2007 9:23PM
What does her weight have to do with anything? I love reading about Jennifer's triumphs after Idol, but whoever wrote this article (Karu whatever) must have self esteem issues. To point out someone as heavyset is unnecessary, especially when her talent is "bigger" than yours Mr. or Ms. Daniels. Don't hate!
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