Exclusive Portraits: Jennifer Hudson in Sweet Home Chicago For Book Signing

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CHICAGO – Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson came back to her hometown of Chicago last month to sign her new book, “I Got This: How I Changed My Ways and Lost What Weighed Me Down.” She also announced she is moving back to the area, after purchasing a multi-million dollar home right outside the city.

Hudson was born in the Englewood neighborhood of Chicago in 1981, and started her career here with Righteous Records. She was released from the label to participate on “American Idol” in 2004, and placed seventh in the third season of the popular singing competition. One year later, Hudson was cast as Effie White in the film version of “Dreamgirls,” and won the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for that role in February of 2007.

She followed up that performance with a part in the first “Sex and the City” movie, and released her debut album, “Jennifer Hudson,” in 2008. Tragedy struck that same year, as her mother, brother and nephew were shot to death during a home invasion. Hudson made her first public appearance afterward when she sang the national anthem at the 2009 Super Bowl.

Jennifer Hudson at the Old Orchard Barnes & Noble, Skokie, January 9th, 2012 Photo credit: Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.com

Recently, Hudson has been in the news for her radical weight loss and release of her new book, “I Got This: How I Changed My Ways and Lost What Weighed Me Down.” She made a book signing appearance near her hometown Chicago at the Old Orchard Barnes & Noble Booksellers in Skokie, Illinois. Photographer Joe Arce was on hand to capture these Exclusive Portraits for HollywoodChicago.com,

Jennifer Hudson Smiles for the Camera During Her Book Signing Photo credit: Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.com

By PATRICK McDONALD Senior Staff Writer HollywoodChicago.com pat@hollywoodchicago.com