2008 has been a bittersweet year for Jennifer Hudson. But of course, we all know that already. When Hudson released Spotlight (her first album) to high praise, not to mention her Oscar win, really shows us that she is on a great roll. Then, her mother, brother and nephew were killed by her in-law in a murderous rampage, and everything suddenly looked bleak for the performer.She hasn’t been in the spotlight as much afterwards, rather preferring to grieve privately with family.
But there’s always the comeback, in the tradition of many who went through American Idol 8.In the history of American Idol a TON of past contestants have faded into near obscurity only to have a major comeback into the spotlight again.One of those great stories of success in Jennifer Hudson, and I have faith she’ll replicate that same success this year?
At a point we thought that there was no way for it to come earlier.Back in 2008 there were reports in the New York Post that Jennifer was to perform the Star-Spangled Banner during the presidential inauguration of the President-Elect Barack Obama in Washington on January 20th, although she has not performed since the murders.C.The news was picked up quickly by other media and they pointed out that she would be a likley candidate to sing the national anthem as she’s from Chicago where Obama got his political start.Adding to that is the fact that she is a HUGE Obamamaniack the newspaper source told them.
Quickly, however, a representative for the Idol winner denied that Hudson will perform at the inauguration.”It’s simply false” a rep of Hudson told the Starr, adding that Hudson will perform her return in LA at Neil Diamond’s tribute in February.
Even still, we can deduce that Jennifer will hopefully have a comeback this year after coming out of American Idol strong. Disregarding the debate on whether Obama’s team is sensitive enough to consider the murders, or whether Hudson is black and all—at least a comeback is bound to happen.Then I guess thank God for resiliency. This season of the show starts on January 13th and features the addition of a new judge Kara DioGuardi.