Jennifer Hudson is an American singer and actress. She was born on September 12, 1981, in Chicago, Illinois. Hudson rose to prominence in 2004 as a contestant on the third season of the reality competition show "American Idol," where she finished in seventh place. After her elimination from the show, Hudson pursued a career in acting and landed a breakthrough role in the 2006 musical film "Dreamgirls," for which she won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. In addition to her acting career, Jennifer Hudson is also a successful singer. She has released four studio albums, including her self-titled debut album, which won a Grammy Award for Best R&B Album. Hudson has also won several other awards for her music, including a Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song for "I Love You I Do" from "Dreamgirls." Throughout her career, Jennifer Hudson has also been involved in various philanthropic and social justice causes. She is an advocate for LGBT rights and has worked with organizations such as GLAAD and the Human Rights Campaign. She is also involved in several charities that support children's health and education, including the Julian D. King Gift Foundation, which she founded in honor of her late nephew.