If you thought Jennifer Hudson‘s absence from news headlines was indication she wasn’t busy, you couldn’t be more mistaken.
As she preps for her leading role in NBC’s ‘Hairspray Live!’ (December 7th) and hitting the judges’ bench for ‘The Voice UK,’ the Grammy-winning diva is also reportedly hard at work preparing for her role in Adam Sandler’s Netflix project ‘Sandy Wexler.’ But, fans of Hudson’s claim to fame – music – needn’t worry they’ll be neglected much longer.
After her 2014 “self-titled” project, ‘JHud,’ was met with mixed critical review (and poor commercial reception), the powerhouse singer is finally ready for redemption via her yet-titled fourth LP. Taking to Billboard, Hudson recently delivered an update on the project and her other dealings.
It’s all inside:
“Segueing from Broadway to live television in Hairspray Live!: When I did my Broadway debut, I thought opening night was terrifying. With live, anything goes and anything can happen. And now I’m going to take it to television. I’m excited and terrified at the same time.
Collaborating with Clive Davis and L.A. Reid: We haven’t really started the process yet due to all the other projects I have going on, but we had our first initial meeting together. I do want to be more involved. I feel that up until this point, I’ve only been treated as a vocalist and not as an artist. Like with Dreamgirls, that was the character of Effie White with Jennifer’s voice. I’m in the space now to explore my artistry. It’s my turn to have my own voice and tell my own story. I feel that’s been the missing element. I can sing anything. But what do I have to say? So I’ll definitely be doing more writing and focusing more on the piano.
Producers/songwriters she’s eyeing: One is definitely Mali Music, hands down. If it’s up to me, he’ll be one of the main producers. which I’m sure will happen. I want Babyface as well. But I also want some old-school like Lionel Richie, Stevie Wonder and Smokey Robinson.
Her character Michelle White’s possible return to Empire: If I can get back to Chicago enough, maybe [laughs]. It’s like as soon as I get a show that’s in my hometown that I can just ride up the street to get to, then I’ve got to go off to Broadway and now Los Angeles. But if they call, I will answer. I would like to see Michelle come back. I think a lot of people would. Michelle was Andre Lyon’s musical therapist and also signed to Lucious’ label. That’s where it left off. And from the last cliffhanger I saw, it looks like Andre’s going to need a therapist again.”