Just Asking . . . Jennifer Hudson

Wall Street Journal - USA - Jennifer Hudson made her breakthrough in music four years ago as a contestant on "American Idol," then went on to become known for her film roles, especially her Oscar-winning turn as Effie in the musical "Dreamgirls." But when it came to recording her debut album, Ms. Hudson felt she had to introduce herself. "Everybody knows the characters I've played, but they don't know Jennifer Hudson as a person," she says. On her self-titled album, out Tuesday, she's chosen to represent herself with varied styles, from gospel to romantic R&B and the hip-hop rhythms of "Pocketbook," in which she threatens to wallop an overeager suitor with her purse. In the coming film "The Secret Life of Bees," set in 1960s South Carolina, Ms. Hudson plays a fugitive who finds welcome on a honey farm. She co-stars with Dakota Fanning, Alicia Keys and Queen Latifah.