Jennifer Kate Hudson (born September 12, 1981) is an American actress and singer. She first gained notice as one of the finalists on the third season of the FOX television series American Idol. She went on to star as Effie White in the 2006 motion picture adaptation of the musical Dreamgirls for which she won numerous awards including an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, a BAFTA, and a SAG Award. Jennifer cites Jennifer Holliday, Aretha Franklin and Kelly Price as her biggest influences..