Jennifer Hudson’s life is a modern day Cinderella story. Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, Hudson lived your typical life. That is, until she was cast in her first play in college. That small role got her uber successful career on track and took Jennifer from “girl with awesome voice” to Academy Award winning actress and recording artist. Jennifer Hudson is at the tippy top of her game, but no matter who she has worked with (Um…SJP? Ne-Yo? Beyonce?), she is still a hometown girl at heart.

CollegeCandy got to speak to Jennifer about her fame, her fashion and her future (her debut album drops on September 30th!). It is nothing short of inspiring.

CC: (Internal Dialogue: I can’t believe I am talking to Jennifer Hudson. Ohmygod. Ok, let me start this.)Everyone is always talking about your style; you always look flawless. What are your secrets?
JH: I refuse to leave the house unless I am comfortable in what I’m wearing. If I’m not comfortable, I’m not wearing it.

CC: Yeah. I agree, but my comfort clothes – sweats – won’t get me on any best dressed lists.
JH: I have to love what I’m in. To me, what I wear is an expression. I’m just expressing myself through my clothes. It’s how I feel that day.

CC: Being a movie and music star must keep you quite busy. How are you spending your summer?
JH: One day I’m doing music the next day I’m doing film. I’m preparing for my next film that is coming out, which is The Secret Life of Bees. I’m also starting to prepare for my album that is getting ready to drop, so I’m doing the promotions for that, as well. And when I can, I just hang out at home. Read More »

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Not everyone is a gym freak. As a matter of fact, to some, the gym is like the plague. Working out takes serious motivation, time and dedication, and lifting weights in silence is even more painful, especially when the only noises are grunting meatheads. Yeah, no thank you.

Here are some tunes to block out those awkward noises and kick your ass into gear!

1. Headlights Look Like Diamonds– Arcade Fire
2. This Modern Love– Bloc Party
3. Freakum Dress– Beyonce (girl knows how to work it and you’ll wanna pull out your best drag queen moves after this song. Platforms are essential)
4. Bullet and a Target– Citizen Cope (the whole album is work out worthy)
5. Baby Makin’ Hips– Fantasia (please ignore the title, the song is all about the BEAT)
6. Hate On Me– Jill Scott (this is a good redemption tune)
7. Anything’s Possible– Johnny Lang (a young dude with the soul of an old man, this song will make you feel like you could move mountains, literally)
8. When Your Heart Stops Beating– Plus 44
9. Breakin’ Dishes– Rihanna (also a GREAT song to release any ‘boyfriend rage”)
10. I am Your Man– Ryan Shaw (it’s a good follow up so you don’t become a complete man-hater on the Elliptical)
11. In Love With A Girl– Gavin Degraw (glad you’re back Gavin! Grab his album on May 6th, it’s going to be SUPERB)
12. Drivin’ Me Wild– Common Ft. Lily Allen (great duet on so many levels)

And Cool Down with…

13. Everytime It Rains– Charlotte Martin (this song makes me smile like an idiot)
14. Silver Lining– Rilo Kiley

These tunes should be enough motivation for ya, now GO!

What tunes are on your “Work Out Playlist”?