Jennifer Hudson just owns “Dreamgirls,” Beyonce is backup


Jennifer Hudson of “American Idol” fame is generating Oscar buzz with her amazing upcoming role in “Dreamgirls.” Beyonce plays a backup character in the film adaptation of the musical and is second fiddle to Hudson. Beyonce denied that there’s any rivalry between her and Hudson, but people are saying that her comments show otherwise. She told reporters that she wanted to play Hudson’s central role of Effie, of course, and wish she could of gained the 20 pounds required for for the role:

“I knew that the character that I played wasn’t the star,” Knowles, 25, told reporters on Saturday about knowing full well that her Diana Ross-esque role of Deena Jones was less meaty than Hudson’s part as Effie White – a part that is already getting Hudson Oscar buzz. “She wasn’t the underdog. She didn’t have the struggle and the pain and the dramatic scenes that Effie had, and I was fine with that.” Taking the role was about proving herself as an actress. “I’m already a star. I already have nine Grammys. Everyone knows I can sing,” Knowles said. “I did this because I wanted people to know that I can act and I can play someone so different from myself.” “Because I’m a star they just automatically assume that I’m not humble enough to sit down and take a back seat, which I am.” But the R&B star did admit that she would have liked to have sung Effie’s song, “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going,” a showstopper that, in large part, helped get Jennifer Holliday a Tony Award for best actress for the original 1981 Broadway version of Dreamgirls. “I mean,” said Knowles, “I wish I could’ve gained 20 pounds and played Effie.” Asked if she’d really have packed on the weight for the part, Knowles said, “Yes. I absolutely would have, but Bill (Condon, the movie’s writer-director) didn’t even believe that I could be Deena. So imagine if I would’ve said, ‘Bill, I want to be Effie.’ “ And Knowles has high praise for Hudson’s portrayal of Effie. “Jennifer Hudson had such a pressure, first of all, never being in a film and never have done an album and still having to live up to those expectations,” said Knowles. “She did incredible.”

It does sound like Beyonce is calling Hudson fat, and is suggesting that Hudson got the role because she’s heavier. Hudson did actually gain 20 pounds for that film according to Wikipedia, so Beyonce might not have meant it as harshly as it came off.

Commentor kailie2 notes that Beyonce’s rumored wedding to Jay-Z next weekend may be her attempt to gain back the spotlight dominated by newcomer Hudson’s sheer talent.

That’s a pretty good theory considering how much praise and publicity Hudson is getting:

Hudson, taking over the role of Effie played on stage by Jennifer Holliday, is in charge of “Dreamgirls” from her opening scene, blowing away Grammy-winner Beyoncé Knowles, Oscar-winner Jamie Foxx and anyone else who gets in her way.

When she sings “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” – one of the most heartfelt cries of pain ever written for a musical – Hudson inscribes her name on an Oscar.

“Dreamgirls” is out in the states tomorrow, 12/6. Here’s the trailer:

Header image found at Bossip.

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8 Responses to “Jennifer Hudson just owns “Dreamgirls,” Beyonce is backup”

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  1. Gigohead says:

    Beyonce should just stay on her corner of the room with her “hater self”. Everyone knows she can’t carry a tune with that thin rail voice of hers. She has to thank the marvels of digital technology for her talents.

    Jennifer Hudson is killing it in that movie. She made the 2nd page of the paper today (Daily News). I am eager to see it. Bravo for Jennifer. I’m proud of her. I’ll admitt, I did not see her in Idol since I’ve not seen the show in years (only saw 1st season).

    Jennifer..go on with your bad self and claim your Golden boy, Oscar come February.

  2. kailie2 says:

    I hope there is a huge backlash against that b** Beyonce–I watched ET yesterday and you’d think Beyonce was the star of the movie.. I mean.. she had to LOSE 20 POUNDS for the role.. WOW.. they covered that part extensively, plus many, many shots of her straining her vocal cords in different outfits.. 42 outfits to be precise. Mary Hart was breathless over Beyonce and not a word about Hudson. B must have good contacts within ET to be able to pull it off. The buzz about the wedding must have been leaked by Beyonce’s camp–she was clearly uncomfortable when it was mentioned but didn’t deny it. Anything to get more attention. I hope that the Academy voters get as sick of her as I am now.

  3. Domidroid says:

    I’m pretty sick of Beyonce (can’t say that hideous name w/o grimacing) myself.
    She comes off like she thinks she’s so fabulous, but listen to her talk, she sounds so…common. But maybe that’s why she gets to be a “star”. Clever, unusual people are relegated to the background in H’wood. Most people want celebrities they can elate to. Oh well…

  4. Keri says:

    People like to make fun of American Idol, but that show has uncovered some great talent. Jennifer Hudson is one example. She didn’t win, but her star quality was apparent, and I’m happy for her that she was cast in this role and provided a chance to shine.

    Congrats to Jennifer, and some congrats to American Idol as well for bringing her to the stage in the first place.

  5. iscatonic says:

    “I am already a star” WTF! who says that? That sounds way to arrogant.

  6. ertarox says:

    Beyonce sucks. She is disgusting on the inside, where it truly matters. Anybody who can sit down and blankly watch terrified innocent animals be tortured and crudely electrocuted and then continue to wear fur everything—just blankly look at her mother as if to say, “Help me, these people are asking me to think and all I know how to do is pose?!”—is a total effing LOSER. There’s a room in hell for this overrated beotch.

  7. Chesg says:

    Although I’m a big fan of Jennifer Hudson, I have to give props to Beyonce knowles. She held her own in the movie as Deena Jones. People need to stop hating on People

  8. Brandy says:

    Pleasingly plumped not fat.