Jennifer Hudson’s latest Grammy nomination came on a day of deep personal significance.
The 44-year-old singer and actress received the ninth nomination of her career on Friday for The gift of loveher first Christmas album and her first entry in the pop albums category.
The album was nominated for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album at the upcoming 68th Annual Grammy Awards.
Speaking in the press room at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony on Nov. 8, Hudson reflected on the moment of honor.
“I’m still living a dream, it’s a blessing for me,” he said. “I’m a party fanatic, so to be able to be recognized in that way with the album that I hold so dear to my heart is more than a dream. And it was on my late mother’s birthday too, which made it even more special.”
Describing The gift of love As “a project made with heart,” Hudson said the album, released in October 2024, represents his return to the studio after a decade-long break.
At Saturday’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame ceremony, Hudson also performed as part of the tribute poster. “It’s always an honor to be here, sing and pay tribute to all the greats and legends,” he said. “My life is like a dream to be able to do that.”
The singer has won two Grammy Awards throughout her career. In 2009, he won Best R&B Album for his self-titled debut. Eight years later, he shared the Grammy for Best Musical Theater Album with the original Broadway cast of The color purplein which he played Shug Avery.
Hudson’s mother, Darnell Donerson, was murdered in October 2008 along with Hudson’s brother, Jason, and 7-year-old nephew Julian. The gunman, Hudson’s former brother-in-law William Balfour, is serving a life sentence for the murders.
