Michigan Avenue - Niche Media - Michigan Avenue magazine is a luxury lifestyle magazine centered around Chicago’s finest people, events, fashion, health & beauty, fine dining & more!
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Stronger than EVER Music, TV, film, motherhood—there's nothing Jennifer Hudson can't do. In an exclusive interview with fellow pop star Kelly Rowland, the multitalented Chicagoan opens up about her new body, Smash, and leaving the past behind. PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROBERT ERDMANN/AUGUST KELLY ROWLAND: I'll start from the beginning: Chicago. How do you think the city has influenced your personality and your career? JENNIFER HUDSON: That's a good question. As far as my personality, I feel that Chicago keeps me normal, and that's why I still live here. Being around all my family and friends keeps me sane and helps build my character. As far as music, Chicago is about the blues. A lot of great musicians come from Chicago, JH: Well first of all, I had no idea so many people were watching. I thought I could do this all by myself and nobody was paying attention. So I didn't have the pressures on me. I also played tricks on myself, like, Hmm, let's look at myself like a piece of art and sculpt myself the way I want to be. And I knew if each day I did something, it just made that much more of a difference. As long as I was doing something, I was changing every day. And change is progress. like Chaka Khan and Kanye and now myself. It's a musical city, so you can't help but be musical living here. KR: You've inspired so many women with your transforma- tion through Weight Watchers. What has kept you motivated? KR: Let's talk about your son, David Jr. What's the most difficult part about being a mother, and what is your great- est joy in your relationship with your son? JH: My greatest joy—let me answer that first. Oh goodness, it's so overwhelmingly beautiful. He's got so much personality, I MICHIGANAVEMAG.COM 103