Beyond Reality: Reality Star Success Stories8 of 11
Jennifer Hudson of "American Idol"
Then: As a finalist on the third season of "American Idol," Hudson took seventh place before being voted out.
Now: Hudson is a Grammy Award-winning recording artist, Academy Award-winning actress for her role in Dreamgirls, and best-selling author. Recently, Hudson made her Broadway debut as Shug Avery in the revival of "The Color People," guest starred on "Empire", and Spike Lee's Chi-Raq.
Then: As a finalist on the third season of "American Idol," Hudson took seventh place before being voted out.
Now: Hudson is a Grammy Award-winning recording artist, Academy Award-winning actress for her role in Dreamgirls, and best-selling author. Recently, Hudson made her Broadway debut as Shug Avery in the revival of "The Color People," guest starred on "Empire", and Spike Lee's Chi-Raq.
PeopleJennifer Hudson
Photo by Jason Merritt - © 2014 Getty Images - Image courtesy gettyimages.com