GREAT PERFORMANCES - Jennifer Hudson - You're Gonna LOVE Her!!

"Dreamgirl" - Jennifer Hudson makes her very first cover this month in Giant Magazine's February issue. And not a moment too soon! Ever since "Dreamgirls" hit it's wide release on Christmas Day - one thing has been established - Jennifer Hudson is a STAR!

Jennifer plays Effie White - the mistreated member of "The Dreams" - the fictional girl singing group portrayed in the movie. Acting among much more established stars like Eddie Murphy, Beyonce and Jamie Foxx - Hudson definitely holds her own and commands attention every time she is on the screen.

Hudson portrays the singing diva with spot-on precision. When Effie is first knocked from the lead of the group by Beyonce's character and then kicked out of the group all together - the betrayal and hurt that Effie feels is clearly displayed in Hudson's eyes.

The familar Broadway anthem - "And I'm Telling You (I'm Not Goin')" has been performed many times on the stage by many actresses. But when Jennifer sings her heart-breaking, show-stopping version midway through the movie - she shines like someone who has commanded the silver screen thousands of times before. She claims this song as her own. It is hers now - no one else will be able to perform that song without bringing up images of Hudson as Effie. Never again.

I've seen "Dreamgirls" twice and as Jennifer sang "I'm Not Going" to Jamie Foxx - the theatre I was out busted into spontanious applause both times as Hudson performs. When she hits those final notes - you realize that a star is being born. I turned to my man and said - "She just won an Oscar."

This has definitely been a "life-changer" for Hudson. Going from placing SEVENTH in the 3rd Season of "American Idol" - to being a Golden Globe and SAG award winner. Jennifer has also been honored by several critics associations for her work in "Dreamgirls".

If you haven't seen "Dreamgirls" - go see it. Not only is it a fun musical set in the early Motown years - it is also a very well done story of friendship, love, family, betrayal and ultimately - forgiveness. Seriously - quit reading this blog and go see it!

Below are some more shots from the Giant Magazine photo shoot. And don't forget - Jennifer Hudson's first movie role ever has been nominated for "Best Supporting Actress" at this year's Oscar Awards - check out the show on ABC Feb. 25th - to watch her pick up her award!

Enjoy!