Originally Published on: Aug 12, 2010 @ 17:12
Our Dreamgirl Jennifer Hudson will appear on the cover of local Chicago magazine “Michigan Avenue” as it hits stands next week. Editor in Chief of the magazine stopped by Good Day Chicago to give an exclusive preview. The Editor also confirms that Jennifer and her fiancé David and son will be moving back to Chicago to set up home. Jennifer of course has been living in Tampa, Florida since after the murders of her family members back in 2008. The editor also reveals that Jennifer wrote a song on her new album due out this November called “I Remember Me” which is said to be a dedication to her lost family members and who she is today. Check out the video & The Cover below! We have also added the full interview from the magazine below after the video
Issue hits stands on August 18!
Miracle On Hudson
Jennifer Hudson is having a fantastic summer: On the eve of her 29th birthday, she’s planning her upcoming nuptials to reality-star-turned-wrestler David Otunga (with whom she has a one-year-old son, David), playing the role of a lifetime as Nelson Mandela’s controversial ex in the movie Winnie and working on a new—and deeply personal—album. And despite a beyond-hectic schedule—from several weeks spent filming in South Africa to her recent gig as a Weight Watchers spokesperson—Hudson is most excited about a big move she’s planning this fall back to her hometown of Chicago (Otunga is from nearby Rockford). “With the baby growing up, we want him to be around our family,” she says. They’ve been living in Tampa, where David trains. “We feel so secluded. Both David and I are the babies of the family, and we want to be home with our families as well.”
Lately it seems like she’s everywhere, thanks to the high-profile Weight Watchers ad campaign, and Hudson is even blogging on their website with regular updates on her progress, such as discovering the joy of frozen yogurt with fresh fruit. Though she won’t give a number of pounds lost, she says she’s between a size six and an eight and “completely satisfied,” though she still finds it exciting to see frequent changes in her appearance. “Lord knows it changes every week,” she laughs. “I feel the same, but then when I look at my picture, I’m like, ‘Oh my god! That’s me?’”
A big bonus of the weight loss is that she can fit into a broader selection of clothes. “It’s more exciting, especially coming out of Hollywood,” she says. “If you’re a size 12, that’s a normal size, but you’re treated like you have limited things to wear.” Today, even something as simple as wearing jeans seems special. “I’m 5-foot-9, and if I put on heels I’m over six feet tall, so [jeans used to] fit in one spot, but then didn’t fit in another spot, so it was uncomfortable.” Now they’re a wardrobe staple for the first time in her life.
Her twin loves of fashion and showing off her new figure are both evident in her wedding gown, which she says has already been altered several times and will probably need more tailoring before the wedding. And while she’s coy about the date (her engagement has already run nearly two years), she’s excited to talk about the gown’s design. “It has three parts to it, so it transforms into three different dresses, and I designed it myself,” she says. “It’s crazy; it has its own show. It’s a very Jennifer thing to do.”
She’s equally pumped about her sophomore album. “I’ve noticed when people have heard music from this project, their reaction is amazing,” she says. “It makes them happy. And with my fans I feel like they know me that much more, so now anything I sing is about something they can relate to.”
There’s no doubt people will be looking closely at the lyrics; the world watched Hudson go from astonishing triumph to unspeakable tragedy two years ago, which gives the message behind her favorite song on the album, “I Remember Me,” a deeper meaning. “I woke up one morning and I just started writing,” she says. “[The song is about how] in my 28 years, I feel like I have led four or five different lives, and the only way I know how to identify me at this point is that I have the same eyes, the same hands and the same feet. So I remember me, if that makes any sense.” It does, and we are all so happy for her
JENNIFER DISHES ON…
BEING A MOM
It’s very beautiful; I’m enjoying it. I’ve got the sweetest little baby in the world. He just got two new teeth, so he smiles with them now. He pokes them out there, like, “Look at my teeth.” I definitely want to have another one. I want to have a little girl, maybe in three or four years from now.
FAMILY FUN
I love to take photos, and because I love pictures so much [my son David] is used to taking pictures. Even the dogs are; they are ready anytime to take a picture. They know what a camera is, that’s how many pictures we take.
A SHOW BEFORE IDOL
I grew up on the South Side, and I was only in one talent show [at the Boys & Girls Club], and I actually won. I was 13 years old or something. I was definitely a sucker for a talent show, and I still remember it to this day.
HER OPRAH
Chicago supports Chicago, and I’m glad to see that. Oprah is like a mom to me. She is always the same and always supportive and welcoming. And whenever I’m in Chicago, I love to try and stop by and see her and say hi.
CHICAGO FAVES
Michigan Avenue is number one, and I’m not just saying that because that’s the name of this magazine. I love to go to Calypso Café in Hyde Park and have some jerk chicken. I love to stay at the Elysian. That’s my home now when I come to Chicago.
Jhud is on the cover of Michigan Avenue Magazine looking very stunning. Her new body transformation is amazing. The tripple threat super star was already beautiful even before the weight loss. Very gorgeous and hell of flawless is even more evidence for babygirl.
I agree with Norma, Jennifer is very beautiful even before losing weight.