Jennifer Hudson’s voice of hope
“I’m just trying to take it one step at a time, ” Jennifer Hudson said, “bit by bit, and enjoy the moment while it’s here.”
She glanced down the red carpet to where Beyoncà © Knowles, Jamie Foxx and Eddie Murphy faced a crowd of fans, reporters and cameras.
“Just, like, right now, ” Hudson continued. “I want to live in this moment right now.”
That was Dec. 4, 2006, and “Dreamgirls” was premiering at New York’s Ziegfeld Theater. Dressed in an all-white, flowing Marc Bouwer gown, Jennifer Hudson was the face of America’s latest success story.
Today, when Hudson takes the stage at the Super Bowl to sing the national anthem, her fans will be looking for the same hope and strength, even though, for the Chicago-born star, everything has changed.
More Idol Headlines after the JUMP…
Melinda Doolittle’s debut proves she should’ve won ‘Idol’
The way American Idol flays the dreams of hopeful singers in front of the easily distracted masses, it’s a miracle that any talent ever emerges.
It’s no miracle, however, that Brentwood’s Melinda Doolittle was able to cast off her third-place finish and fashion a career out of the setback.
Doolittle, who had been a backup voice for contemporary gospel stars such as CeCe Winans and Kirk Franklin, has emerged with her first full-length album, which puts her considerable vocal talents to use as she covers blues and pop standards and a few little-known gems, imbuing them all with a retro-soul feel.
One might say an album of covers is to be expected from an Idol finalist. But Doolittle makes it work because she has the skills and confidence to take on a song done by the great Sarah Vaughan (“Wonder Why”).
Jordin Sparks’ game is charity
Jordin Sparks is a walking contradiction.
The American Idol season six winner and Glendale, Ariz., resident is a die-hard fan of her hometown Cardinals, but that’s not why she’s in town.
Sparks is here to raise money for charity.
Tuesday night at Roy’s Hawaiian Fusion Cuisine in Tampa, the singer and chef Roy Yamaguchi hosted an intimate concert, auction and VIP meet-and-greet for fans. Today at Grace Family Church in Lutz, she has another performance.
Proceeds from both events will benefit Sparks Charities, which gives to various nonprofits.
Jordin Sparks Offers Advice To ‹Idol Hopefuls
Winning …American Idol isnt all that difficult ‘ it just comes down to song choice, relaxation ‘ and lots of water, according to former …Idol winner Jordin Sparks.
AccessHollywood.com caught up with Jordin at the Leather & Laces pre-Super Bowl party in Tampa, Florida, where Jordin offered her advice to this year contestants who are hoping to make it to Hollywood and beyond.
…Try and get as much sleep as you can right now because you wont get any later, she said. …Bring your camera, because it all goes by really fast. And make sure you are drinking lots of water to keep yourself hydrated.
For Jordin, who beat out Blake Lewis to become the winner on Season Six of …Idol, the most important thing to achieving …Idol victory is song selection. And Jordin should know ‘ she won the …Idol crown without ever being in the bottom three.
Surprise guests at ESPN’s Tampa-centric tailgate
On Friday night, Hollywood took over ESPN the Magazine’s NEXT Party. On Saturday afternoon, Tampa residents took it back.
ESPN’s fan-oriented NEXT Day Tailgate drew hundreds of football fans, both local and from around the country, to downtown Tampa for a day of food, music, exhibitions and autographs.
Sean Kingston and American Idol alum Michael Johns performed as scheduled, but a couple of surprise guests — actor Anthony Anderson and Wyclef Jean — popped up onstage to the delight of party guests.
Happy Birthday Wilmer!
Wilmer Valderrama hasnt done much as far as work goes, but the boy does know how to party! Celebrities partied at at Wilder 30th Birthday Bash at Pure Night Club last night in Las Vegas, Nevada. Wilmer held the bash at the Nightclub, located in Caesar Palace Casino and our Vegas photographer got these fun fotos of the party. After Wilmer appeared in the club, he went straight to the VIP section next to the DJ booth.
Also in attendance were Nicky Hilton, Kimberly Caldwell, Andrew Keegan, Joe Rogan. The celebrities all partied in the same VIP area, in separate booths. Nicky Hilton did not stay long, and Joe Rogan wished Wilmer a Happy Birthday.
The Farr Side: ‹Country brings some unfamiliar territory
Can country music ever be funky? Were about to find out. The King of Funk himself, George Clinton, is moving into John Rich Nashville pad to compete on the third season of CMT …Gone Country.
I dont care what you think of country music, or funk for that matter, but to see the multi-color-haired Clinton perform before a bunch of honky-tonkers as a country singer is worth my time.
Clinton, Taylor Dayne, Sheila E., Micky Dolenz, Justin Guarini, Richard Grieco and Tara Connor all are competing for the chance to record a song produced by John Rich from the genre-bending MuzikMafia.
