Oscar Winner Jennifer Hudson to Perform at Barack Obama's Inauguration

Despite all the hardships Jennifer Hudson had to endure during 2008, the one ray of light had to be Barack Obama's victory as the President-elect of the United States of America. What better reason and forefront for Hudson to return to the stage than for his inauguration?

Oscar winner and former "American Idol" contestant Jennifer Hudson hasn't been able to perform since her mother, sister, and nephew were brutally murdered in October 2008, but sources say she may be summoning up the strength to perform for President-elect Barack Obama.

A source close to the Dreamgirls star claimed that Hudson is already in talks with inauguration organizers about the show.

"Organizers want Jennifer to sing 'The Star-Spangled Banner' at the Inauguration on Jan. 20," one source said. "They are talking to Jennifer about it. It would be the first time she performed since the murders. She is from Chicago and is a huge Obama supporter."

Hudson is no stranger to performing at political events. She sang a wonderful rendition of the national anthem at the Democratic National Convention in Denver in August.

Barack Obama's inauguration will be held on January 20, 2008, in Washington, D.C. Experts have estimated that some 10 million people will be in attendance. Scheduled performers for the ceremony include the United States Marine Band, the San Francisco Boys Chorus, the San Francisco Girls Chorus, and Aretha Franklin.

Previous sources indicated that another Dreamgirls star, Beyonce Knowles, was more than willing to perform at the historic inauguration ceremony, if the President-elect so desired. Beyonce was quoted as saying, "I can't wait. I feel like all of us, we're ready to do whatever we have to do. Whatever they want-if they need me to volunteer, they need me to sing, I'm there, and I'm ready. I've never been so patriotic! I'm just beyond excited."

Although the President-elect has publicly admitted to being a fan of Beyonce's husband, Jay-Z, his feelings on the 27-year-old singer and actress are unknown. It looks like, at least for the time being, Obama has passed on Beyonce's offer to perform.

This inauguration will be historic, meaningful, and will represent change, for Jennifer Hudson, and the whole country. Millions of people from around the world will either support the event in person or by tuning in to the event on television.

Jennifer Hudson's performance will not only be emotional, but will probably one that will never be forgotten.