Jennifer Hudson Will Have a Christmas Special on ABC

Actress, singer and former American Idol contestant Jennifer Hudson,  heads back to her hometown of Chicago to share childhood memories of the music, people and places that set the stage for her phenomenal success, in the hour-long primetime music special, “Jennifer Hudson: I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” airing this December on ABC .

Hudson relives her childhood Christmases with musical performances shot on location at the small neighborhood church where she brought the congregation to its feet week after week; the music academy where she studied; and other Chicago sites. Hudson also visits with family members, childhood friends and others whose influences have been instrumental in her rise from humble beginnings to Hollywood stardom.

“I am thrilled that Jennifer chose ABC to be the home for her very first holiday special,” said Vicki Dummer, senior vice president, Alternative Series, Specials and Late-Night, ABC Entertainment Group. “I can’t wait to hear her take on Christmas classics as we discover what she loves about her hometown of Chicago.”

In addition to winning an Academy Award, Hudson’s breakout performance in “Dreamgirls” also brought her a Golden Globe Award, a Screen Actors Guild Award, a BAFTA and an NAACP Image Award. She has also been honored by the Broadcast Film Critics Association, the National Board of Review and as “Entertainer of the Year” at the Soul Train Awards. Hudson’s self-titled first album won a Grammy Award for “Best R&B Album.” The album also won three awards at the 2009 NAACP Image Awards including “Best Album.” The RIAA Gold Certified album marked the biggest first week sales for an R&B entry since 2004.

More recently, Hudson has continued to build impressive film credits and demonstrate her range in the films “The Secret Life of Bees” and “Sex and the City: The Movie.” She performed the national anthem at the 2009 Super Bowl, and she had her debut national tour, co-headlining with Robin Thicke, earlier this year.

The exact date and time of  “Jennifer Hudson: I’ll Be Home for Christmas” has yet to be announced.

Congratulations on Jennifer Hudson and David “Punk” Otunga Engagement

Although the rumors were swirling this summer that American Idol contestant, and Emmy winner Jennifer Hudson was dating David “Punk” Otunga, we haven’t written about it, because we had nothing concrete. Well, its seems that the two reality show alumni are engaged to be married.

The couple, who are both from Chicago, have been dating for less than a year, but love does not have a timetable. According to Hudson’s spokesperson, the two got engaged Friday night in Los Angeles.

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