Jennifer Hudson: 53rd Annual Grammy Awards

Jennifer Hudson: 

53rd Annual Grammy Awards

Ready for another big night in the spotlight, Jennifer Hudson is set to take the stage tonight (February 13) at the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards.

The "American Idol" alum is all ready to kick things off at the Staples Center venue alongside Christina Aguilera for a tribute to the Soul Queen, Aretha Franklin.

Also set to take the stage for performances are Justin Bieber, Usher, Jaden Smith, Katy Perry and Eminem, among others.

Meanwhile, star presenters at the event include Nicki Minaj, Selena Gomez, Eva Longoria and Jennifer Lopez.

 

 

 

 

Hollywood Gossip

Photo Credit: Getty Images 

Christina Aguilera Headlines Aretha Franklin Tribute

Christina Aguilera Headlines Aretha Franklin Tribute

It’s no secret that Aretha Franklin has made a massive mark on pop music, and at tonight’s Grammy Awards some of the hottest female vocalists in the industry paid tribute in a musical medley.

Redeeming her Super Bowl fumble, Christina Aguilera was featured with her own solo to kick things off.

Martina McBride also showed off her silky smooth vocal stylings, looking sexy in a shimmery black dress.

Next, Florence Welch of Florence and the Machine took over, followed by a svelte Jennifer Hudson. Rounding things out, Yolanda Adams showed her impressive low-to-high vocal range.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hollywood Gossip
Photo Credit: Getty Images

Jennifer Hudson Dishes On Weight Loss

Jennifer Hudson Dishes On Weight Loss

We know Jennifer Hudson has been losing a lot of weight, but she finally revealed to Oprah how much she’s lost TOTAL.

“Oh my god, yes, it’s a brand new me. Sometimes I don’t even recognize myself. I’ve lost 80 lbs.”

OMG! I guess she does have a hard time recognizing herself. But Jennifer says she’s not looking to take her weight loss too far.

“That 4 and 2 and 0 is not for me.”

Well, Jennifer looks great, doesn’t she? Jennifer also opened up to Oprah about the tragic murders of her family.

“Well, my family. This is a very emotional subject. My baby. My grandmother. My mother. Even my brother I can hear him saying, ‘Jenny, knock it off,’ like my mother right now would be saying to me, ‘Why you always crying, stop crying.’

“Their spirit was saying, ‘You’ve got to keep going.’ And I try to do everything to say, ‘Will my mother like this? Will she be pleased? Will she be proud of that?’ I don’t think I could ever come close to be the kind of mother that my mother was to me, but I try to use that as an example and be there for him the way she was there for me.”

I still want to cry when I think about it. But I’m sure Jenifer’s family would be SO proud of her with all she’s doing.


imnotobsessed
Photos by FAME

Live! The 2011 Grammy Awards Winners & More

Live! The 2011 Grammy Awards Winners & More

We’ll be updating this post continuously with the winners as they’re announced – so if you don’t want to know, close your eyes!!!

They’re starting off with a great tribute to Aretha Franklin. Christina Aguilera, Florence Welch, Jennifer Hudson, Martina Mcbride and Yolanda Adams have the honor of collaborating on this one. Are you watching? Thoughts?? Wow! Aretha looks AMAZING!!

Train’s acceptance speech: “thank you Justin Bieber for not being a duo or group”. LOL!

Here comes Gaga in her egg….. the incubation must be over. What did you think of that performance? It was fairly tame, right?

So, we’re 40 minutes and only 1 award given out so far. I’m wondering if Matthew Bellamy’s sparkly suit jacket is an homage to Twilight’s Edward – ya know, since Muse is on each of the soundtracks and all. Haha!

Justin Bieber is up. Wow, is there anything these Smith kids can’t do?? What’d you think of Jaden hopping in on Justin’s performance?

We finally got a few more red carpet shots (see gallery): Monica, Ciara, Martina McBride, and Florence Welch.

Lady Gaga thanked Whitney Houston in her acceptance speech for pop vocal album – giving her a shout out for being the person who she pictured singing “Born This Way” when she didn’t think she was enough of a super star to do it on her own.

Yes, we’re at an hour and 39 minutes and still only 4 awards. Kinda crazy, right?

Speaking of crazy, I tried to do a search on “Mumford & Sons” after their performance with Bob Dylan and the internet has just about crashed with people trying to find out about them – their wikipedia page won’t even load! LOL!


Gwyneth Paltrow is KILLING it! Up on that piano rocking it out!

Awww, did you catch the wedding videos in the background during the beginning of Katy Perry’s performance? I might have to rewind it now.

Um, John Mayer, Johnny Depp called and wants his “The Tourist” look back. Sorry, had to get that out.
Let’s dish on the Rihanna/Eminem/Dr. Dre performance! What’d you think? I had goosebumps!
Just an FYI – I’ll repost the winner’s list in a new post after the awards so you don’t have to wade through my random babble!

A few new pics are up in the gallery! Crystal Bowersox, Ricky Martin, Selena Gomez, Drake, and Amber Riley.

Everyone is on their feet for Mick Jagger’s performance. I love the camera pans of the audience – Nicole Kidman gettin’ her groove on. Too funny!

I don’t mean this disrespectfully at all, but Barbra Streisand is reminding me of Jennifer Aniston in a huge way tonight!

Did Diddy change his name again? The announcer called him Puff Daddy?

The show is definitely running over tonight. They still have a few awards to give out, I believe and we’re at 11pm.

I’m guessing Rihanna & Drake are the last performers of the night? What did you think of what she wore?

Nope, not the last one! Arcade Fire – are you a fan??

And NOW we’re out!

Who was your favorite performance tonight?

Winners:
Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group: Hey, Soul Sister (Live) – Train
Best Female Country Performance: The House That Built Me – Miranda Lambert
Best Rock Album: The Resistance – Muse
Best Pop Vocal Album: Fame Monster – Lady Gaga
Best Country Album: Need You Now – Lady Antebellum
Song of the Year: Need You Now – Lady Antebellum
Best New Artist: Esperanza Spaldin
Best Rap Album: Recovery – Eminem
Record of the Year: Need You Now – Lady Antebellum
Best Dance Recording: Only Girl in the World – Rihanna
Best Rap Song: Empire State of Mind
Best Male Country Performance: ‘Til Summer Comes Around – Keith Urban
Album of the Year: The Suburbs – Arcade Fire

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 imnotobsessed

Photos by WENN

Christina Aguilera & Jennifer Hudson's Grammy Tribute Plans

Christina Aguilera & Jennifer Hudson's Grammy Tribute Plans

They’re both massively successful singers in their own right, and this Sunday night, Christina Aguilera and Jennifer Hudson will be joining forces at the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards.

The “Genie in a Bottle” babe and the “American Idol” alum will take part in a celebration of Aretha Franklin along with Yolanda Adams, Martina McBride, and Florence Welch.

It will also be a chance for Aguilera to redeem herself after famously fumbling the lyrics to the National Anthem at last weekend’s Super Bowl.


It all goes down this Sunday, February 13th at 8PM Eastern Time on CBS.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hollywood Gossip

Jennifer Hudson to Release New Album

Jennifer Hudson to Release New Album

Jennifer Hudson has revealed the release date for her second studio album. Fans of this American Idol alum should circle March 22 on their calendar.

The singer will release her first single off this CD - titled "Where You At," written/produced by R.Kelly - on January 24. Among those involved on the album are: Ryan Tedder, Alicia Keys, Swizz Beatz, Rich Harrison, Ne-Yo, and Stargate.

With a voice such as the one featured here, any music fan should be looking forward to Hudson's sophomore effort.

Jennifer Hudson - Will You Be There (Live)

THG

Sneak Peek (Listen) At Jennifer Hudson’s Upcoming Album

Sneak Peek (Listen) At Jennifer Hudson’s Upcoming Album

Jennifer Hudson’s first album debuted at #2 on Billboard’s Top 200 Albums and R&B/Hip-Hop Albums charts and won a Grammy in 2009 for Best R&B Album. She’s now gearing up for the release of her follow up album “I Remember Me” – due out on March 22nd!

The album’s first single, “Where You At,” is going to be launched on the radio next week, but you can catch a 30-second snippet now on Jennifer’s website!

The album title, I Remember Me, is based on a poem written by Jennifer and composed into a beautiful song co-written by Ryan Tedder that will be featured on the album.

“I’m excited about this album because it’s almost like a renewal for me, reflected through the chapters of my life. I’ve called it ‘I Remember Me’ because of the journey I’ve been on. I’ve learned that life constantly surprises you, no matter your plans. My fans have been so loyal, I feel like they have been on this journey with me and I can’t wait for them to hear the new album.”

You can check out www.jenniferhudson.com on a regular basis for the latest news, photos and more.
She has such an amazing voice, doesn’t she?

imnotobsessed

How Jennifer Hudson Keeps Fit Over The Holidays

 How Jennifer Hudson Keeps Fit Over The Holidays

I can’t believe how incredible Jennifer Hudson looks! She has always been a beautiful woman but it’s nice to see her so happy now that she’s lost 80 pounds! The holidays are such a tough time of year to stay on a health regimen, but Jennifer told Extra TV that she’s not worried!

“I’m not going to cook. I’m actually having a huge Christmas family dinner celebration… they’re doing Weight Watchers, too… all they have to do is come and look good.”

Wow that must take some serious will power! I’m all for healthy living, but Christmas dinner is the one thing I won’t give up! Although I think it’s great that she has her family on board, because that will definitely make it easier to stay on track. In addition to her healthy eating Jennifer also does a workout of four sets of push-ups, leg squats and sit-ups every day. She also ncludes an hour of intense cardio and another hour of resistance training.  Wow, that’s dedication!

Do you even bother to diet over the holidays or do you just wait for the New Year?

Jennifer Hudson's Grand Slam Performance

Jennifer Hudson's Grand Slam Performance

Using her talents for a good cause, Jennifer Hudson performed a dazzling set at the Wynn Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada on Saturday night (October 9).

Decked out in a gorgeous purple frock, the "American Idol" alum happened to be partaking in the Andre Agassi Foundation for Education's 15th Grand Slam for Children benefit concert.

Among the other stars lending a hand were Jason Mraz, Sir Elton John, Rob Thomas and AJ Green, who joined Miss Hudson onstage during her performance.

As for the cause, the Agassi event raises funds to help improve education for underprivileged youth in the Las Vegas community.

Voicing his thanks to Miss Hudson and everyone else who took part, Andre said in a statement, "We are honored that these international sensations are performing for this special 15th concert. The support received through the Foundation and from these renowned artists ultimately helps us make a difference in the lives of Agassi Prep students." (Hollywood Gossip)

Jennifer Hudson: ‘I’ve always been a person who’s comfortable with myself’

 Jennifer Hudson: ‘I’ve always been a person who’s comfortable with myself’

On her from-size-16-to-6 weight loss:

“I didn’t expect to go as far as I did! People are like, ‘Okay Jennifer don’t lose anything else!’”
“I go into the store and they try to put me in 4s and 6s and I’m like [she looks over both shoulders] ‘Who are you trying to talk to?’ My mind hasn’t caught up yet.”

“I’ve always been a person who’s comfortable with myself whether it’s plus-size, small size it doesn’t matter”

… says Jennifer. (skinnyvscurvy)

Let’s take a look at how Jennifer looked a while back:

Jennifer Hudson Talks about Her Weight Loss

skinnyvscurvy - “I was on a similar path already, except it was far stricter. And that was my downfall. I would say, ‘I’m going to have skinless chicken and grilled fish and climb a mountain to work out!’ … And then I’d gain it all back. So what I did with Weight Watchers is actually more realistic. It’s not a diet — it’s really a way of living that teaches you better skills. This is for the normal person, who wants to look better, or feel better, but who still wants to indulge a little bit.”

… says Jennifer.

Jennifer Hudson: Family Murders 'All a Blur'

Jennifer Hudson

John Shearer/WireImage

people - She's kept quiet about the brutal 2008 murders of her mother Darnell, brother Jason and nephew Julian. Now, Jennifer Hudson is finally speaking out.

"It's all a blur, it was surreal," she says on VH1's Behind the Music: Jennifer Hudson on Monday night. "It was like I was outside of myself."

As her very public nightmare unfolded, the Oscar-winning actress says she went into seclusion.

"For almost two weeks straight . . . [I was] inside one room with just family and friends coming in and out," she says. "I prayed when I'd get up in the morning and prayed before I laid down at night."

Hudson barely addressed the murders until the 2009 Grammys, where she performed a poignant, moving rendition of "You Pulled Me Through."

"I was definitely thinking of my family when I was singing that song," she says. "I could hear my brother in my head, like, 'Jennifer, you need to kill this, you need to get up and do it.' I knew he would be disappointed if I didn't do it justice."

Today, "I feel like I've lived about three or four different lives," she says, adding that her 11-month-old son David (with her fiancé David Otunga) has helped her heal.

Little David, "reminds me of my nephew," says Hudson, and he also helps her remember her mother. "In so many ways I channel her because she was such a great mom."

Her son, she adds, "makes me feel like the most special person on earth. I want him to get the same love and the same upbringing my mother gave us."