Jennifer Hudson: March 2007 Archives

"Project Runway" and the indy film "Quinceanera" were the big winners at the annual GLAAD media awards this year, but it was Patti LeBelle and "Dreamgirl" Jennifer Hudson who took the spotlight.

R&B singer LaBelle received a special achievement award, presented by Oscar-winner Jennifer Hudson, for championing gay and lesbian rights and participation in the fight against AIDS.

"I didn't know you were this nice," LaBelle told Hudson at the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation's 18th annual media awards. "I thought you were a bitch," she joked, noting that she had never met Hudson before their joint appearance.

LaBelle spent most of her acceptance speech praising Hudson, a losing "American Idol" contestant who won an Oscar last month for her debut portrayal of a pop singer in the musical "Dreamgirls."

In a passing-of-the-torch moment that brought a cheering audience to its feet, the pair launched into an a cappella rendition of "Nobody Knows the Trouble I've Seen." Hudson appeared astonished by LaBelle's tribute, saying "You are who I idolize."

The GLAAD awards were held Monday night. Other celebrity presenters included Oscar nominee Julianne Moore, "Sex and the City" actress Cynthia Nixon, director John Waters, pop singer Hilary Duff, and former basketball professional John Amaechi, who recently came out as the first openly gay National Basketball Association player. 

HBO's "All Aboard! Rosie's Family Cruise," about Rosie O'Donnell's groundbreaking gay family cruises won the documentary award.

Rosie gave a nod to tennis legend Billie Jean King, subject of another nominated documentary, saying "if it hadn't been for Billie Jean King, there wouldn't have been a gay movement."

The soap opera "All My Children," "The Oprah Winfrey Show," "Nightline," along with The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, Washington Post, Details Magazine and columnist Frank Rich were also honored.

Now that she's an Oscar winner, Jennifer Hudson is at liberty to set her own terms.  That's exactly what she is doing.  Hudson nixed a $3 million role in a Warner Brothers film because of a nude scene, the kicker is -- Jennifer wouldn't have to get naked! 

The American Idol reject turned Dreamgirl says she is a role model and will never condone nudity by appearing in any flick that features a flash of the bare skin.

Jennifer, on the otherhand, has inked a deal as spokeswoman for Avon's Imari brand and new scent, Imari Seduction.

"This is an honor for me and very flattering," said Hudson, whose dreams of stardom appeared shattered when she finished seventh on the U.S. television talent show "American Idol" in 2004.

From Avon lady to Avon spokesperson!  It's amazing what can go down in one year's time!