Singer and actress Jennifer Hudson has earned respect every step of the way in her career during her meteoric rise to fame. And perhaps no other actress could channel legendary R&B singer Aretha Franklin like Hudson. In what is perhaps the most perfect bit of casting in recent movie history, Hudson portrays Franklin in upcoming movie “Respect” in what is sure to get the attention of The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences when next year’s Oscar nominations are announced.

Back in 2004, Jennifer Hudson was a finalist in reality TV singing competition “American Idol.” She was sent packing when lead judge Simon Cowell said, “You’re out of your depth in this competition.” Fast forward to 2007, Hudson took home an Oscar for Best Actress in a Supporting Role portraying Effie White in “Dreamgirls.” Cowell has since admitted he was wrong about Hudson, and she has gone on to star in more than 30 films and sing on dozens of movie soundtracks.

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