The Truth About Jennifer Hudson's Friendship With Barack Obama
It's not every day that we hear of Hollywood A-listers having super tight bonds with former presidents, but sure enough, Barack Obama and Jennifer Hudson have a pretty long-lasting bond. Our question? What do we know about their friendship?
Last year, Hudson won a Daytime Emmy for producing "Baba Yaga" (via Variety). As noted by the Associated Press, this year, Obama became an Emmy-winner himself for his work as a narrator in Netflix's "Our Great National Parks." As such, they certainly have something impressive in common. Even without the awards, as two people involved in content production, there's definitely a ton for them to talk about. However, it may surprise some to know that the two award-winners have been tight since long before the former president signed a deal with Netflix. And, if that little titbit had anyone flabbergasted, prepare to be mind-blown. Years before Obama even considered going into content production — before he'd even been sworn in as the 44th President of the United States of America, in fact — he had an established relationship with the "Dreamgirls" star.
So, just when did this friendship begin — and what do we know about their dynamic today?
Barack Obama is a big fan of Jennifer Hudson
While details are scant on the exact date Jennifer Hudson met Barack Obama, the first known interaction between the two came after the latter requested that she be hired to perform for an event. Not just any event, mind you. Per People, Obama asked specifically for Hudson to sing "The Star-Spangled Banner" at the 2008 Democratic National Convention. Speaking of the request, Hudson told the publication that it was "the biggest honor, I feel like, in my career."
According to a source involved with Obama's 2008 campaign, Hudson had been involved in their efforts to get him elected, but they didn't divulge her exact involvement (via People). However, it's worth noting that she's since been involved in other events for the former president. In 2013, she performed at the Commander-in-Chief's Ball to celebrate his re-election. In a Washington Post video of the the Obamas' sweet dance to "Let's Stay Together," the couple can be seen waving to Hudson, who in turn responds with a low-key shimmy.
Hudson also performed for her friend during his presidency on two other occasions. First, she sang "Some Day We'll All Be Free" at the 2010 White House Celebration of Music from the Civil Rights Movement (via The Obama White House). Then, as seen on AP, the next year, she led the crowd in singing "Happy Birthday" to him. Given just how big a fan Obama seems to be, something tells us that must have been a birthday wish come true!
Barack Obama has supported Jennifer Hudson through her ups and downs
Throughout their friendship, Barack Obama has been pretty open about his support for Jennifer Hudson. It's no surprise, then, that the former president was all for catching an advance screening of her 2021 film, "Respect," in which Hudson starred as another of his friends, Aretha Franklin. Both Barack and Michelle Obama were invited to a private viewing of the film — and it's safe to say No. 44 was impressed. In fact, one of the film's producers, Jonathan Glickman, told The Hollywood Reporter that Obama made no attempt to hide how impressed he was. "He loved it. He actually called to FaceTime Jennifer right afterward to say how much he loved it," Glickman told the outlet.
That said, Obama is far from a fair-weather friend to Hudson. In the wake of the tragic 2008 murders of several of Hudson's family members, Obama was among the many public figures to send her an outpouring of love. In a statement shared with Access Hollywood, the then-presidential candidate shared, "Michelle and I were absolutely heartbroken to learn about this unimaginable tragedy, and we want Jennifer ... to know that she is in our thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time."
Through good times and bad, Obama clearly has Hudson's back — and we really love to see it!