Hudson's post-Idol career was quiet for a couple years until she was surprisingly cast in the role of Effie in the movie version of Dreamgirls, co-starring with such heavyweights as Beyonce, Jamie Foxx and Eddie Murphy.  The bigger surprise was her knockout performance, both as a singer and as an actress.  While Murphy's nuanced performance was superb, it was Hudson who stole the show, winning a Supporting Actress Oscar in the process.  

Hudson began working on her debut album, but first appeared in and sang the lead song from the movie version of Sex and the City.   

Hudson's self titled debut is slated for a late September 2008 release.  The first single, "Spotlight," written by Ne-Yo, hit radio in June of 2008 and became a modest hit.  

Even as her career soared, Hudson's personal life endured tragedy, most notably the murder of her mother and brother in Chicago.  After a period of mourning, Hudson returned resiliently, becoming a spokesperson for Weight Watchers (she lost over 80 pounds) and charging onward toward her sophomore release.  The album, I Remember Me, was released in March, 2011.

By Chris Rizik