Chicago – For Oscar nominee Jennifer Hudson, there was no question where she’d celebrate her success in the week leading up to the Academy Awards – at her family’s church.
“I don’t do clubs. I don’t drink. I don’t smoke,” Hudson told a boisterous crowd at Progressive Baptist Church on the city’s South Side on Monday night. “I’m not having no club party; I better have a praise party.” Hudson, 25, headlined a gospel concert named in her honor, “An Evening of Praise With Jennifer Hudson,” accompanied by the acclaimed Soul Children of Chicago.
She won a Golden Globe Award last month and is among the nominees for best supporting actress at the Oscars on Sunday for her role in “Dreamgirls.” Many of the more than 3,000 people in the audience Monday were nonchurch members drawn in to hear Hudson and others sing.
“It’s an exciting time because the city is so rich in the gospel tradition,” said audience member Brenda Morgan. “It’s a great night. We’re so proud of Ms. Hudson.”
