'Dreamgirl' Hudson Is ShoWest's Star of Tomorrow

Zap2It.com | February 24, 2006

Jennifer Hudson

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Convention prize anticipates big things for former 'American Idol' contestant Jennifer Hudson

Jennifer Hudson has never had a starring role in a feature film or had a regular acting job in a television show, but the ShoWest convention is ready to dub her the Female Star of Tomorrow.

Hudson's shockingly fast transformation from "American Idol" reject to aspiring leading lady has come courtesy of her part in Bill Condon's big screen take on "Dreamgirls," a project already building awards buzz nine months before its release.

In order to win the role of Effie in "Dreamgirls," Hudson had to beat out a slew of young actors and singers including her former "Idol" rival Fantasia Barrino. The film, based loosely around the rise of the Supremes, also stars Beyonce Knowles, Jamie Foxx and Eddie Murphy.

"In her motion picture debut, Hudson is sure to delight audiences with her portrayal of Effie in the upcoming big-screen version of the Tony Award-winning musical 'Dreamgirls,'" Mitch Neuhauser, co-managing director of the event, tells The Hollywood Reporter. "With her combination of acting and singing talent, Jennifer has the star qualities that promise her a bright future in Hollywood."

Given the absence of tangible footage or evidence, it's unclear what Neuhauser is basing his prediction on, but Hudson was great in some of those "American Idol" Ford Focus commercials, so that's something.

The ShoWest convention runs from March 13-16 in Las Vegas, with the awards presentation set for the closing night.