Jennifer Hudson Reunites With Her “‘Dreamgirls’ Sister” Beyoncé At 2024 iHeartRadio Music Awards
It’s been 18 years since Jennifer Hudson and Beyoncé shared the screen for the film adaptation of the 1981 broadway play Dreamgirls. Upon Bey receiving the Innovator Award at the 2024 iHeartRadio Music Awards on Monday (April 1), the two powerhouses had a chance to reunite.
In an Instagram post, J Hud shared a carousel of photos and videos showing her and Bey embracing one another and chatting backstage. The Cowboy Carter trailblazer beamed from ear to ear as she walked up to the EGOT star with excitement.
“I am so happy I got to be there to cheer on my Dreamgirls sister as she received the @iheartradio Innovator Award!!! [purple heart],” Hudson captioned the moment. “Congratulations on such a well deserved recognition! Love u @beyonce !!!
Following Dreamgirls‘ premiere — which saw success at the box office, grossing $155,456,301 worldwide — Bey, Hudson, and Anika Noni Rose took the stage at the 2007 Academy Awards. The co-stars belted out a medley of the film’s nominated songs, including “Listen” and “Dreamgirls.”
Although the film was met with great feedback, that didn’t stop critics from trying to fuel a rivalry between the film’s leading stars. During a press conference in 2006, Bey spoke on the rumored beef between her and J Hud, as some alleged that the megastar was jealous of Hudson’s shine behind the role of Effie.
“I didn’t have the part with the most drama, I was fine with that,” the Houston native said at the time. “I’m not doing this to become a star or prove that I can sing. I’ve already won nine Grammys and everyone knows that I can sing. I did this mainly to know I can act, to know myself, and show everyone else that I could.”
“I’m extremely happy with the movie. I’m extremely proud of Jennifer. I think she’s incredible,” she continued. “It’s so unfortunate that once again the media is starting things with women… You hear I’m mad. Why would I be mad? I’m a part of an Oscar-buzz-[worthy] movie.”
Although some felt that Bey was being shady towards the Chicago native, she shut down all ideas about her feeling some way towards the “Spotlight” singer.
“Why would I be mad at Jennifer? I can only imagine the pressure she had being a woman that’s never had an album, never done a movie,” Bey went on. “When I told people I’m doing Dreamgirls, they were like, ‘That’s good. Who’s doing Effie? Is she singing ‘And I Am Telling You [I’m Not Going]’ right?’… That [song] is what the [film] is famous for, [and] she pulled it off.”
“She’s sweet, she incredible, and I hope she maintains that same sweetness… She’s gifted, and I hope she maintains that,” she added.
Jennifer Hudson also debunked rumors of the two feuding behind the scenes.
According to ABC News at the time, Hudson said, “It is a surprise because [Beyoncé] is a sweet girl and we’ve always got along. It’s like, ‘Where did this come from?’ Any time when something is going good, somebody is gonna find anything to turn from a molehill and make a mountain out of it.”
“But Beyoncé and I support each other the same as we did when we first started,” she said. “That’s my ‘Dream’ sister. There’s nothing but love for each other.”
Check out Bey and J Hud reuniting this year at the 2024 iHeartRadio Music Awards above.
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