From American Idol to the Academy Awards

Born in 1981, it was a young Jennifer Hudson who won her way onto American Idol 3. Citing Whitney Houston as one of her personal singing influences, Hudson wowed judges with her big, powerful voice. But, fan support and approval was hard to gain. In fact, she was even eliminated from the show. It was only by the grace of the wildcard round that Jennifer Hudson was able to compete for reality singing glory.

Fans were slow to warm to Hudson, who found her stride somewhat late in the competition. Despite finally sinking into her singing style, she was voted out in seventh place, never to reach the dream of being the next American Idol. Husdon and Idol parted ways in April, 2004, and many thought it was the last they would see of the almost-famous reality contestant.

But Jennifer Hudson wasn't going to go down so easily. Beating out hundreds of other girls, Hudson landed the much-coveted role of Effie White in Dreamgirls, a lavish adaptation of a Broadway hit. She even managed to beat out former Idol Fantasia Barrino for the role - a real coup for Hudson.

Though Hudson had to pack on extra weight for the role, nothing hampered her beautiful voice. She sung her way into the hearts of those who watched her, and impressed even the prestigious Academy with her acting talent. For her role in Dreamgirls, Jennifer Hudson has already won a Golden Globe, a Screen Actors Guild Award, and the highest of acting honors, the Oscar. Maybe losing American Idol was the best thing that ever happened to Jennifer Hudson, who might not have landed the now-famous role otherwise.

Her flawless live performance at the 79^th Annual Academy Awards will go down in television history as the stuff of legend, or at least great clippings. She may have lost the reality race to stardom, but she certainly won the hearts of Hollywood. How did Jennifer Hudson finally find the singing success that eluded her on Idol? She found her style - and she stuck to it. Look for a lot more Jennifer Hudson in the future, because this young star will only continue to rise.