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Access Atlanta > American Idol Buzz > Archives > 2006 > December > 15 > Entry
12/15: More on Hudson
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The buzz on Jennifer Hudson is deafening right now. We know the story now. She was rejected by Clive Davis and everybody else after she left “Idol” in 2004. The Wall Street Journal wrote a story yesterday about her but since it’s subcription only, I’ll summarize the story. It noted that she was able to book regular gigs singing at gay nightclubs, backed by prerecorded music. The gay community, Hudson told the paper, is “where I got the majority of my fans from ‘Idol.’ ”
She also got session work, including guest vocalist on a song with Meat Loaf (yes, the Meat Loaf who sang with Kat McPhee on the finale this year.) She was one of 800 who auditioned for “Dreamgirls,” besting Fantasia. Her lawyer got a video of her screen test to agents at WIlliam Morris, who signed her. Davis saw the screen test and was blown away. “It seems like everyone in Hollywood has seen the screen test,” Hudson joked.
BMG signed her at a much higher price than if they had done so in 2004. It says they are likely spending more than $1 million to sign, record and promote her. The label offers generally generous royalties of 16% to 17% to contestants, the story says, and spends lavishly on production. The producer of “Idol,” 19 Entertainment, has become more generous than it used to be, sharing more revenue from the tours and allows contestants to work with other managers. Her Morris agents said she turned down other film offers to focus on her singing career in 2007, with Davis personally overseeing the recording of her debut CD.
Comments
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By jex
December 15, 2006 7:46 AM | Link to this
I am SO happy for Jennifer. Simon really dogged her when she was on Idol, but you could tell that she really loved to sing.
She was never one of my favorites (I think it was the space suit) but I appreciated her passion.
I will keep my fingers crossed that her nominations will develop into actual awards.
By Pen
December 15, 2006 8:11 AM | Link to this
She was a powerhouse, but I couldn’t see her winning AI. She needed more polish. From the sound of things, I think she’s received it. I am looking forward to seeing the movie. The sound bites on iTunes are not enough to overwhelm me.
By Shay
December 15, 2006 8:13 AM | Link to this
Randy: So yo Jen’, listen up, I picked you to come back as the wildcard because I thought you had mad potential and you proved me right.
Paula: Jennifer, I mean Ms. Hudson now that you are a big movie star, I am so proud of your many accomplishments. I feel like I watched you grow into this beautiful young lady with an amazing voice. You did Idol proud in that movie.
Simon: O.k. so Jennifer, I never thought you would amount to anything because your voice was quite annoying, but you proved me wrong so I will be the first to apologize.
By jex
December 15, 2006 8:26 AM | Link to this
Shay, you forgot to make Paula cry. And drunk.
By greg
December 15, 2006 8:35 AM | Link to this
LOL!!!!!!!….AS SIMON LAUGHS AT US SILLY AMERICANS!……too bad simon country music dominates your show!
By Carla
December 15, 2006 8:35 AM | Link to this
LOL!!!!
By Shay
December 15, 2006 8:51 AM | Link to this
Luckily, Jex the camera crew did not catch her crying and drunk this particular day (I mean having an emotional breakdown) as Hollywood would puts it.
Like I mentioned in the past
Emotional breakdown, suffering from heat exhaustion, lack of sleep, chemical imbalance, over exerted yourself. All that means is that you were too drunk to show up at a gig in Hollywood.
By mystique
December 15, 2006 9:26 AM | Link to this
Good Morning! I myself was never a big Jen fan either but congratulations to her on proving them all wrong. I heard she is up for a golden globe, oscar can’t be far behind. How awesome! I am really proud for her to have come so far. Hope she enjoys every second of it.
LOL @ Shay! But was Paula saying all this from her seat on Simon’s lap?!
By Shay
December 15, 2006 9:32 AM | Link to this
She was actually behaving herself this day. Just her typical day doing her seal clap. (Flap Flap)
By mystique
December 15, 2006 9:48 AM | Link to this
LOL! I know what you mean. I expect Simon to hold up a fish for her or something!
By alisonfordstarmaps
December 15, 2006 1:59 PM | Link to this
Greetings! So excited to see Dreamgirls next week! Right now, everything about Golden Globe nominee, Jennifer Hudson screams, “I told you so!”
Check her out in Time Out New York:
http://www.timeoutny.com/newyork/Details.do?page=1&xyurl=xyl://TONYWebArticles1/585-586/hotseat/jenniferhudson.xml
By Eve
December 15, 2006 3:05 PM | Link to this
I am proud of Jennifer she has definitely been blessed to receive all of the praise she’s been getting since practicably being forgotten after Idol. I hope she milks her time in the spotlight for all she can get because we all know how fickle Hollywood can be. One minute you’re hot and the next you’re forgot! So not only should she work on her album I think she should accept some of the other offers on the table too.
By Shay
December 15, 2006 3:12 PM | Link to this
All I have to say about Hudson is “that girl can blow”. Move over Bouncey because Jennifer’s voice is absolutely amazing. Thanks alisonfordstarmaps for providing those clips. I can’t believe how strong her voice is.