Jennifer Hudson : ‘The Real Me’ Holiday Special Brings the Singer Back to Familiar Sites
When the Christmas decorations and merchandise pop up in the stores right after Halloween, Jennifer Hudson is not one of those Grinches who complains about it being too early.
''Not me! I love it,'' said the Oscar and Grammy winner, calling the Sun-Times the other day. ''I can't wait for Christmas to start. I love everything about it -- the decorations, the excitement, how beautiful everything looks, but most of all the music.''
The entertainer is excited to be hosting her first holiday special (7 p.m. Monday, WLS-Channel 7). ''And it's totally in my own hometown,'' the Chicago native said, clearly enthusiastic to show the nation ''my city, my Chicago, and in a way that, I hope, lets everyone get to know me a little better . . . the real me, not just the person they've seen in 'Dreamgirls' or read about in some magazine."
Perhaps the most thrilling part of showcasing ''the real'' Jennifer for Hudson was her return to her high school alma mater, Dunbar Vocational Career Academy on South King Drive. ''I cannot believe it's been 10 years since I graduated. When we went back there to tape the special, it felt like I had just left yesterday,'' Hudson said, stressing she feels a huge debt to the South Side school.
''It was at Dunbar where I first dared to dream of becoming an artist, where I really discovered that this is what I wanted to do.
''It was where I began to grow -- singing at school assemblies, ball games and all kinds of events.''
That became evident to Tony Eaton, the veteran Hollywood player who is the executive producer of ''Jennifer Hudson: I'll Be Home for Christmas.''
''I have to say, I've known many artists, and they can be caught up in themselves and very remote. But Jennifer is one of the warmest, most genuine human beings I've ever worked with -- and that was particularly evident when we filmed at Dunbar.
''She was so obviously delighted to see those kids [at the school]. She told me, 'I just feel so much at home here.' ''
For Hudson, another special filming locale was Evergreen Plaza in Evergreen Park, ''the mall where I first sang in public. It was so great to be back on that little platform.
''Back then, that was what I thought would be the height of where Jennifer Hudson would go in show business!''
Perhaps the most powerful location showcased in the special is Hudson's longtime spiritual home, Pleasant Gift Missionary Baptist Church -- scene of musical triumphs and personal tragedies. That's where her mother, nephew and brother were eulogized after their tragic murders last year.
''I thought I was going to sing to an empty church,'' Hudson said. ''But when I walked out to sing 'Joy to the World' and saw the church filled with friends from grammar school and family members -- I couldn't even look at them, or else I would never have gotten through it.
''It was really an emotional moment.''
She also shot at Navy Pier, "where I have always loved that Ferris wheel," and on Michigan Avenue, "with those beautiful lights that always made me feel like I was starring in my very own Christmas movie,'' Hudson added with a laugh. ''I think it really shows who I am and lets me express my true personality. Plus we've got Michael Buble too!''
The Grammy-winning ''Crazy Love'' crooner was ''a total treat to work with,'' Hudson said. ''I think he's the perfect voice to capture that pure, traditional sound you want for a Christmas special.''
Buble and Hudson sing duets on the classics ''Baby, It's Cold Outside'' and ''Let It Snow."