And the talk show host/singer/actor/mom/philanthropist/lots of other things wants you to know that you do too.
Jennifer Hudsonshouldbe a diva.
There are rumors of romance with a famous beau, and she even has a celeb-y nickname, JHud.
By all standards, Jennifer has a right to be high-maintenance and aloof.
What she actually is: a hustler whos so sweet and solicitous, you almost worry about her.
All in its first seasona testament to the power of Jennifers brand of charisma.
Chrisean Rose
(Yes, she can do her own glam.
Search for the video of her applying a cat-eye, if you doubt.)
Jennifer walks to Starbucks each morning, often with David, for her cuppa.
Chrisean Rose
LAUREN IANNOTTI: So, where to start?
Do anything cool for Juneteenth?
JENNIFER HUDSON:Well, I sang at the White House for the first Juneteenth there.
It was absolutely amazing.
LI: You went with your son and a troop of his buddies.
JH:I want my son to be a part of those thingsand his cousins and friends.
Chrisean Rose
Little David has a really big heart, and he always wants to include them.
So I said, Ill sing, but I have to bring my boys.
And to be able to sing for itthats something I will never forget.
LI: Speaking of accomplishments, congrats on your talk show being renewed!
How does it feel, as you kick off season two?
JH:Thank you!
Chrisean Rose
I feel like the show is every bit of who I am and how I connect with people.
The only difference is the cameras are rolling.
I get to be around people who specialize in something.
And because theyre so into what theyre into, Im intrigued.LI: People who are passionate are the best.
JH:Its all about the passion and the love for what you do.
Everybodys got a story.
No matter who you are, what youve done, where youre from, Im interested.
And if aint nobody else cheering you on, Jennifer Hudson is.
Thats what I want the world to know.
Jennifer Hudson, on her natural curiosity
Everybodys got a story.
No matter who you are, what youve done, where youre from, Im interested.
JH:Yes, thats what time were in.
People want to see real things.
And I think thats the most beautiful thing.
Weve all been sugarcoating and hiding, but when we share, it helps us know were not alone.
LI: You had Chaka Khan on last season, and she told you she was proud of you.
And you replied, Yes, maam.
Youre deeply accomplished, but you also bring this modesty, this respect for others to what you do.
That doesnt take away from your own greatness.
And just because youve achieved so many things, it dont make you better than no one else.
The awards on my wall dont amount to who I am at all as a person.
When I meet anybody, I want to meet your human, and I want you to see mine.
LI: Tell me about your foundation.
Its how we stay connected to them.
It gives back to the youth of Chicago, making sure they have their school supplies.
We’ve had parents that say, it was either pay my rent or buy my kids school supplies.
We also do a holiday toy drive.
What do you do for yourself?
JH:We sometimes forget about ourselves.
Why not give ourselves space, grace, compassion, and consideration?
Thats something Im working on.
Im always trying to get better at life.
My mother used to say, “Where there’s a will, there is a way.”
What would she do?"
And then sometimes you got to say,I can’t do it today.
Meet yourself where you are.
We can do that for everyone else.
Sometimes you have to stop and consider yourself.
And that’s the phase that I’m in.
I can’t say I’ve always been that way, but I’m older now.
I also make a point to have my David walks.
A little walk in the morning with my son to Starbucks.
It helps me gather myself by finding even little moments, because everything is in little small windows.
It’s stealing the mini vacations for yourself.
Id like a real one, though.
One of my birthday wishes, when I turned 40, was to have a one week off.
I’m still waiting for that and I’m about to be 42.
LI: You mean you haven’t had one week off straight in two years?!
LI: Stressing out your phone, man.I hesitate to ask whats next.
JH:Im going to do an album soon.
Im doing a talk show, but that does not mean Im going to stop singing or acting.
Its my passion to doallof these things.
LI: Do you sleep?
JH:You have to!
I hit the ground running every day.
I dont sit down until the day is done and the work is done.
Im going to live it to the fullest because Im grateful for that day.
So I feel like I earned my right to sleep.
Im not a napper, but if Jenny naps, baby, Im tired!
JH:David and I joke that were both starting a new school year!
It used to be Id hold your hand and take you to the park.
Now it’s like,how do I mother you?Figuring that out.
And how do we exist in this new space?
LI: Whats it like raising a Black teenage son in this country right now?
He loves to walk in there with the big old fro and the pick in his hair.
And Im like, Do you realize the statement youre making?
Know that just wearing your hair like that is a statement alone.
Hes very rooted in who he is and OK with that.
And theres so many layers he has to learn!
But hes at an age where he can fully understand it.
And hes so evolved beyond what I could ever imagine.
As all my boys know, you got to know how to act and behave.
The more responsible you show to be, then the more you’re allowed to do.
For little David, my biggest thing is getting his priorities in order.
Knowing education comes first, clean your room, and help take care of home.
Learn how to help out and contribute.
Those are things that he is learning.
LI: How is dating as a single mom?
JH:My mom didnt believe in having just anybody around her children, and Im the same way.
Im extra careful and cautious.
I also know that, as a kid, you don’t want to see your mama with nobody.
So I’m very sensitive to that.
It took a long time to date.
Because obviously, my focus has been on my child.
It’s always about the energy of who you’re bringing into your circle.
I’m very funny and sensitive about those things.
LI: Is there anybody youre thinking about now?
Im asking about Common.
JH:Ill leave that where it is.
Heres a super REAL SIMPLE question: Is there anything you have too much of?
Anything you better declutter or organize?
I sleep in them.
LI: Right?!
Last question: Its been 20 years sinceIdol.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
JH:Dont let anyone interrupt your faith.
The people who say, But what if…?
Dont listen to them.
When people discourage your dream, its only because they dont dream as big as you do.
LI: Thats great advice.
Thank you for your vibrant energy.
Anything else you want to talk about?
JH:Mr. CommonRashid is what we call himhe is a beautiful, beautiful, beautiful man.
And thats all I will say.
