Jennifer Hudson is a singer, actress, talk show host, and producer who has won various accolades for her works in recorded music, film, television, and theater. She rose to fame in 2004 as a finalist on the third season of American Idol, placing seventh. She made her film debut as Effie White in the musical Dreamgirls (2006), for which she won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. She has also starred in films such as Sex and the City (2008), The Secret Life of Bees (2008), Winnie Mandela (2011), Black Nativity (2013), Sing (2016), Cats (2019) and Respect (2021). She has released three studio albums: Jennifer Hudson (2008), I Remember Me (2011) and JHUD (2014). She has also contributed as a coach on the UK and the US version of The Voice from 2017 up to 2019. In 2022, she began hosting a talk show, The Jennifer Hudson Show.
Whitney Houston was a singer, actress, and producer who is widely regarded as one of the best-selling music artists of all time, with over 200 million records sold worldwide. She debuted in 1985 with her self-titled album, which became the best-selling debut album by a woman in history. She went on to release six more studio albums and two soundtrack albums, all of which have been certified diamond, multi-platinum, platinum or gold by the RIAA. Her most notable songs include “I Will Always Love You”, “I Wanna Dance with Somebody”, “How Will I Know”, “Saving All My Love for You”, “Greatest Love of All”, “I Have Nothing”, “I’m Every Woman” and “Exhale”. She also starred in films such as The Bodyguard (1992), Waiting to Exhale (1995), The Preacher’s Wife (1996) and Sparkle (2012). She received numerous awards and honors throughout her career, including six Grammy Awards, two Emmy Awards, 22 American Music Awards, and 30 Billboard Music Awards. She died on February 11, 2012, at age 48.
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Are They Related by Blood?
Given their similar backgrounds, talents, and achievements, many people have wondered if Jennifer Hudson and Whitney Houston are related by blood. The answer is no. They are not biologically related to each other. Jennifer Hudson was born in Chicago, Illinois, to Darnell Donerson and Samuel Simpson. She has two siblings: Jason and Julia. Whitney Houston was born in Newark, New Jersey, to Emily “Cissy” Houston and John Russell Houston Jr. She has one brother: Gary.
Are They Related by Marriage?
Another possibility is that Jennifer Hudson and Whitney Houston are related by marriage. The answer is also no. They are not legally related to each other. Jennifer Hudson was engaged to David Otunga from 2008 to 2017. They have one son: David Daniel Otunga Jr. Whitney Houston was married to Bobby Brown from 1992 to 2007. They have one daughter: Bobbi Kristina Brown.
Are They Related by Mentorship?
The closest connection that Jennifer Hudson and Whitney Houston have is that of mentorship. Jennifer Hudson has cited Whitney Houston as one of her biggest influences and inspirations in music. She has also performed several of Whitney Houston’s songs throughout her career, such as “I Have Nothing”, “I’m Every Woman” and “I Will Always Love You”. Whitney Houston was also signed to Arista Records by Clive Davis, who later signed Jennifer Hudson as well.
The most memorable moment of their mentorship was when Jennifer Hudson paid tribute to Whitney Houston at the 54th Grammy Awards on February 12, 2012, the day after Whitney Houston’s death. Jennifer Hudson sang Whitney Houston’s signature song “I Will Always Love You” with a simple black dress and a spotlight on her. The performance was emotional and powerful, earning a standing ovation from the audience.
According to Billboard , Jennifer Hudson said that she felt honored to be chosen for the tribute, but also nervous and overwhelmed by the responsibility. She said that she did not rehearse much because she wanted to sing from her heart. She also said that she felt Whitney Houston’s presence with her on stage.
Conclusion
Jennifer Hudson and Whitney Houston are not related by blood or by marriage. They are related by mentorship, as Jennifer Hudson considers Whitney Houston as one of her idols and role models in music. They have also shared some musical moments together, such as singing duets or paying tributes. They are both talented singers and actresses who have made their mark in the entertainment industry.
