Jennifer Hudson Q&A with NewNowNext.com: Album Favorites, Drag Show Days in Chicago & Dressing up as New York?

 

So did our girl turn it out as PopLab host this evening? If you missed Jennifer Hudson's on-air segments, follow the Pop link to watch the episode in full - all online.

But since you're here! Check out our NNN.com chat with J-Hud herself: With Jennifer's self-titled debut album in stores and her film Secret Life of Bees in theaters Oct. 17, there was lots for us to cover. But since you should already know such things, Jennifer and I also talked about her drag queen performing days - performing amongst drag queens, anyway - belting that Effie classic at New York Gay Pride and dressing up as Ms. New York!

 

Check it all out after the jump...

 

Gay music and video from NewNowNext.com

 

You included so many styles of music on your album - gospel, hip-hop, R&B - but hearing the album now, which song is the most you?

Definitely the gospel: My grandmother used to sing that back in church, so that was like my tribute to her - it was close to home in that way. And another one was "Pocketbook," Timbaland wrote it and produced it. The day I came in the studio, they had a few other songs for me; then, after they got a feel for my personality, the next day I came in, they said, 'Nah, scratch that. We’ve got the perfect song for you.'

And the song is very sassy. I always say, I don’t have an attitude; I’m just sassy.

I also love "I'm His Only Woman" with Fantasia. Did you plan a collaboration with her from the beginning?

I had a wish list to either do a duet with Fantasia or with Whitney Houston. I recorded my portion - I don’t know how far ahead of hers - and then when she came in and did her part, I was so happy and excited.

Have you ever had to set a girl straight in real life like you do with Fantasia in that song?

No, no – I don’t play that. I go after the guy. I’m not coming for the girl; that’s a waste of time.

 

 

You just hosted PopLab for us: What are your pop guilty pleasures lately?

That song, ‘I kissed a girl and I liked it...’ [laughs] I like that one a lot.

Now how familiar were you with Chicago's drag queen scene back in the day?

I love to come see a drag queen do a show, I know that part! Oh my god – I love it. And I get so upset every time I hear about somebody doing me in drag and I don’t get a chance to see it. I get vicious about it.

Have you ever seen a drag queen do you?

Oh my god, are you serious? Of course! That’s what I started out doing. That’s how I made my money and got my feet wet with performing: I would always go to the gay clubs and perform the nights the queens was performing. And I’d go and sing - and I would make all the tip money. So of course, I’m quite familiar with that!

Well then, I know you've done gay audiences before - but you performed at Pier 54 for New York Pride this year. Was that crowd special for you?

I think that was the most gay people I have ever performed for in my life! I was like, Look at all of these people! Ooh, I loved it. It’s my favorite kind of audience, just the energy – they know me, I know them, you know? I always get so excited to do it.

 

 

Do you know what your next video is going to be?

I don’t know yet, to be honest. What song do you think it should be? I want it to be by popular demand: whatever the people want to hear is what I want to have next.

Oh, it depends... I think "Pocketbook" would be great. I like "Giving Myself," too, but that’s much more of a ballad...

I think it should be by popular demand. I want to give my people what they want.

OK, random question: Are you and [your fiance] David dressing up for Halloween?

You know what I was going to be for Halloween? [laughs] I was gonna be New York!

That would be perfect! And David [Otunga a.k.a. Punk from I Love New York 2] could just go as himself.

That is hilarious. He was like, 'What’re you gonna do?' I’m like, 'Yeah, I’m gonna be New York. I’m gonna imitate her and everything.' But unfortunately, I’ll be in Japan so I won’t get a chance … to be New York.

What would your costume involve, though?

Oh, you’re gonna get me in some trouble! I think I’ll leave that alone. You know, go roll the tapes back - it explains itself. I want the walk and all. I was gonna be full-force New York, head-to-toe … just for that one day.

So you have seen New York's shows. I wasn't sure if you were familiar with ... her work.

“Her work.” Is that what it’s called? … I better leave this alone before I get myself in some trouble.

 

 

OK, well, Secret Life of Bees is coming out soon, right?

Yeah, it comes out October 17. Queen Latifah, Alicia Keys, Dakota Fanning, Sophie Okonedo... It was wonderful working with those ladies. I call her Mama Dakota ‘cause there’s nothing she don’t know - not older than me in age, but by far older than me in experience. And Queen was so laid back and cool, and Alicia is so cool...

We all had a great connection because of music: If I didn’t come in with a song, Alicia came in with a song; if Alicia didn’t come in with a song, Queen came in with a song. So we’d all have to hop in at one point and harmonize. And I told them, 'If we sing one more song, this is gonna quickly turn into a musical! ' 

 

 And check out this un-aired segment from Jennifer's PopLab episode: She's a major Prince fan, it turns out...

 

Gay music and video from NewNowNext.com

 

Comments

[norma]

I love Jennifer Hudson she is so real and honest. She is so right;the shit that New York does is not work. I say the bitch is trashy and crazy. Jennifer nor David ever used her name in a bad way, until she started running her big ass mouth about things she know nothing about. Jealousy is a sickness and it is written all over her fake ass from head to toe. New York you are not in Jhud's lead are class. Jennifer Hudson is way to classy and to much of a real lady to waste time on you. I will say this though; Jhud is not a hoodrat by far, but she is stright out the hood so please be very carefull. I was always told to be carefull when picking your enemy. David choosen a young lady with character and class. Jennifer is very grounded and is a humble person. I always wondered about you Taffany(aka New York)how low can a hoe go.