American Idol alum Jennifer Hudson is set to join fellow Idol Katharine McPhee for a multi-episode arc in the second season of NBC’s hit musical drama “Smash.”

Jennifer Hudson Sings “I Will Always Love You” Tribute To Whitney Houston (VIDEO)

The 30 year-old actress/singer, who won a Golden Globe and Oscar for her role in “Dreamgirls” back in 2006, will play Veronica Moore, a Tony-winning Broadway star.

Ebony: Jennifer Hudson Is NOT a Size Zero, Y’all!

“We’re thrilled to have Jennifer Hudson coming to Smash,” Robert Greenblatt, Chairman of NBC Entertainment, says in a statement. “This series is a showcase for some of the best musical talent in the business and that’s a fitting description for Jennifer Hudson. Her character will represent someone who reached their Broadway dream but also paid a price for it.”

Steven Spielberg, executive producer of Smash who worked with Jennifer on “Dreamgirls,” is also very pleased with the new addition to the cast, which includes stars like Katharine, Debra Messing, Jack Davenport and Megan Hilty.

Steven Spielberg adds, “First Dreamgirls, now Smash. I have no doubt Jennifer will continue to deliver even more inspiration to the audience responsible for giving us a second season on NBC. It’s wonderful to be reunited with her at DreamWorks Television and NBC.”

“Smash” season 2 will premiere in early 2013.

[image: PNP/ wenn.com]

The nightmare is over for American Idol alum Jennifer Hudson after her former brother-in-law, William Balfour, was finally convicted of home invasion, residential burglary, and first degree murder in the deaths of the singer’s mom Darnell Donerson, brother Jason Hudson, and 7 year-old nephew Julian King on October 24, 2008.

Jennifer Hudson “I Will Always Love You” Tribute To Whitney Houston (VIDEO)

After 18 hours of deliberations, the jury was ready to deliver the verdict against the 31 year-old, who apparently acted out in a jealous rage over a gift sent to Julia, Jennifer’s sister. Balfour thought the gift had been sent by Julia’s new boyfriend.

Jennifer was in the room when the verdict was read. She was also a witness in the trial, during which she confessed she had warned her sister against marrying Balfour because she did not like the way he treated her and her nephew.

Balfour now faces life in prison. Julia and Jennifer said in a statement: “It is our prayer that the Lord will forgive Mr. Balfour of these heinous acts and bring his heart into repentance someday.”

American Idol alum Jennifer Hudson paid tribute to the late Whitney Houston by delivering a very emotionally charged performance of her hit “I Will Always Love You” during the 2012 Grammy Awards only a day after the shocking death of the singer on Sunday (February 12)- watch video below.

VIDEO: LL Cool J’s Prayer For Whitney Houston @ Grammys 2012

Jennifer, who broke down “sobbing hysterically” during rehearsals, managed to pull it together and offer a very solid and heartfelt performance of the classic. Even though the former Idol was pretty good (pitch-perfect), the bland performance also proved that no one will ever sing it quite like Whitney did.

VIDEO: Bobby Brown Declares Love For Whitney Houston On Stage

At one point, Jennifer changed the lyrics to “Whitney, we love you.” The legendary 48 year-old singer was found dead at her room in the Beverly Hilton hotel on Saturday (February 11).

R.I.P. Whitney Houston.

Jennifer Hudson Sings “I Will Always Love You” At Grammys 2012 Video go on reading »

UPDATE: Jennifer Hudson “I Will Always Love You” Tribute To Whitney Houston @ Grammys 2012 (VIDEO)

After the unexpected death of one of the most powerful voices in history, Jennifer Hudson is set to take over the Grammys stage to perform a “respectful musical tribute” to Whitney Houston, according to Grammy Executive Producer Ken Erhlich.

Whitney Houston’s Death: Found In Hotel Room, Did Not Respond To CPR

“It’s too fresh in everyone’s memory to do more at this time, but we would be remiss if we didn’t recognize Whitney’s remarkable contribution to music fans in general, and, in particular, her close ties with the Grammy telecast and her Grammy wins and nominations over the years,” Erhlich said.

Last Photos of Whitney Houston Dazed & Agressive At Tru Hollywood

The American Idol alum, whose powerful voice has been compared to the late singer’s, is expected to sing a medley of Whitney’s biggest hits. The one and only Chaka Khan is also expected to join the Idol on stage to commemorate Whitney’s career.

Whitney Houston’s Last Performance: “Yes, Jesus Loves Me” VIDEO

The 48 year-old singer, who sadly passed away at the age of 48 on Saturday (February 11), is a six-time Grammy winner and was reportedly planning another comeback. Whitney is survived by her daughter Bobbi Kristina.

Celebrity Twitter Reactions To Whitney Houston’s Death

[image: Ivan Nikolov/wenn.com]

Oscar winner and singer Jennifer Hudson reveals in her new book I Got This: How I Changed My Ways and Lost What Weighed Me Down that she turned down the title role in the film Precious.

Jennifer Hudson In Mini Dress & Thigh High Boots @ VH1 Soul  Divas

Hudson says that she turned down the part because it would have required her to gain weight. “I had done that with Effie [in Dreamgirls]… and as much as I was moved by this film. I wanted to try a role that had nothing whatsoever to do with my weight,” she writes.

Gabourey Sidibe went on to play the role, which earned her an Oscar nomination for Best Actress.

Ebony: Jennifer Hudson Is NOT a Size Zero, Y’all!

Can you imagine Hudson as Precious?!? Awful!

[image: WENN]

What the hell was Jennifer Hudson thinking?

The American Idol alum looked incredibly skinny as she dressed up as an advertisement for celebrity fashion gone wildly wrong on the red carpet of the VH1 Divas Celebrate Soul concert held at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City on Sunday (December 18).

Ebony: Jennifer Hudson Is NOT a Size Zero, Y’all!

JHudson is currently a billboard – Weight Watchers must be really proud of the singer’s incredibly shrinking. The 30 year-old showed off her slender figure in a super tight mini-dress and sparkly thigh-high boots.

What a disaster! Thigh-high boots are always risqué, but that dress with crochet details and that thing on her neck… Oh my. It’s just a mess. And it’s not even a hot mess. Who is Jennifer’s stylist? He/She/It needs to be fired ASAP!

Jennifer Hudson @ Divas Celebrate Soul Red Carpet Pictures go on reading »

American Idol alum Jennifer Hudson wants to set the record straight for once and for all, declaring she never told Joy Behar she was a size zero in an interview for the latest issue of Ebony Magazine (December/January 2012).

Jennifer Hudson Debuts “Don’t Look Down” On Dancing With The Stars (VIDEO)

“I’m going to finally address that size-zero thing that Joy [Behar] said on The View,” Jennifer begins. “Hell, I wasn’t even on the show. I never said I was a size zero.”

Obviously, Jennifer could have never said such thing because she is visibly not a size zero. Plus, the Weight Watchers spokesperson revealed she has been approached by people who call her some bad names and tell her she is a bad role model.

Jennifer said, “I got crucified by I don’t know how many people who cussed me out because they said I’m putting out the wrong message and telling people to be a size zero. I got called every name under the sun and was told, ‘You should be ashamed of yourself for talking about being that size.’ Well, honey, when I do say I’m that size, then give me that speech. I never said that.”

“People say I’m always dwelling on my size. No, I’m not! Everyone else is always dwelling on my size.”

Shame on you, Joy! Jennifer has been basically bullied because of something she has not said. The 30 year-old singer actually spent the last couple of years talking about her weight loss, so it’s only normal people are talking and dwelling about her size. Just saying…

[image: Ebony]

American Idol alum Jennifer Hudson showed off some leg in a metallic mini-dress by Jenny Packham on the red carpet of the 2011 American Music Awards (AMAs) held at the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live in Los Angeles, California on Sunday (November 20)- more pictures below.

2011 AMAs: American Music Awards Winners (FULL List)

The 30 year-old singer is probably in the best shape of her life as she proudly showed off her slimmed down hot body. Jennifer finally looks genuinely happy after losing weight following the birth of her son David Daniel Otunga Jr.

Jennifer Hudson @ 2011 AMAs Red Carpet Pictures go on reading »

Grammy and Oscar winner, Jennifer Hudson, performed “Don’t Look Down”, the second single out of her new album “I Remember Me”, for the first time at Dancing With The Stars week 4 live results show on Tuesday (April 12)- watch video below.

Dancing With The Stars Week 4 Results April 12: Who Was Voted Off?

Jennifer’s second studio album, “I Remember Me”, which was was released on March 22, went straight to #2 on Billboard 200, selling more than 165,000 copies in the first week. No doubt Jennifer, who came in seventh place on the third season of American Idol, is the most successful contestant.

Jennifer Hudson Sings “Feeling Good” On Dancing With The Stars (VIDEO)

Jennifer Hudson “Don’t Look Down” Dancing With The Stars Video go on reading »

American Idol alum Jennifer Hudson performed a fantastic rendition of “Feeling Good” with the DWTS orchestra at Dancing With The Stars week 4 live results show on Tuesday (April 12)- watch video below.

Dancing With The Stars Week 4 Results April 12: Who Was Voted Off?

Jennifer killed it! The Dancing With The Stars troupe, Ashleigh Di Lello, Ryan Di Lello, Damian Whitewood and Snejana Petrova, presented an incredible choreography on the dance floor while Jennifer sang.

Jennifer Hudson “Where You At?” On American Idol (VIDEO)

Jennifer lost some weight and looks absolutely incredible. The 29 year-old decided it was time to lose some pounds after she had her son. Jennifer is totally glowing and extra confident. She is also getting ready for a summer tour, which starts on June 16.

Jennifer Hudson “Feeling Good” Dancing With The Stars Video go on reading »

American Idol/Oscar winner, Jennifer Hudson, who looks absolutely fantastic, returned to the Idol stage to perform her latest single “Where You At?” (watch music video here) at the surprisingly shocking American Idol season 10 Top 11 live results show on Thursday (March 24) – watch video below.

American Idol SHOCKER: Casey Abrams Voted Off, Saved By Judges (VIDEO)

Incredible. Jennifer delivered one heck of a performance. It’s unbelievable how she went from Idol contestant to successful recording artist and Oscar winner in six years. Amazing. Jennifer didn’t even won… she came in seventh place in the third season, which was won by Fantasia. Jennifer is the best role model for our Idol hopefuls. Congrats!

2011 American Idol Season 10 Top 13 Finalists Revealed!

Jennifer Hudson “Where You At?” American Idol Video go on reading »

Singer/actress Jennifer Hudson flaunted her new svelte figure in a gorgeous tangerine Versace gown on the red carpet of the 83rd Annual Academy Awards (Oscars) held at the Kodak Theatre in Los Angeles, California on Sunday (February 27)- more pictures below.

Oscars 2011 SPOILERS: Billy Crystal, Presenters & Performers

The 29 year-old won a Best Supporting Actress Academy Award for her role in “Dreamgirls” in 2007. Jennifer shows the right amount of skin, but she does not hold back when it comes to looking like a diva on the red carpet. Love it.

2011 Oscar Winners: Who Wins the Academy Awards?

Jennifer just released a music video for “Where You At“, the first single off her sophomore album “I Remember Me” (watch video here).

Jennifer Hudson At 2011 Oscars Pictures go on reading »