Former Rare Staff
Jennifer Hudson has been chosen to play Aretha Franklin by the Queen of Soul herself in an upcoming biopic, according to legendary record producer Clive Davis.
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Davis announced the news while introducing Hudson at a pre-Grammys gala in honor of Jay-Z, where Hudson performed a medley of Franklin’s hits.
“When the biopic of the great Aretha Franklin is filmed next year, the artist anointed by Aretha herself to play her is the next performer. Aretha personally told me that last week,” Davis said of the Oscar- and Grammy-winning actress and singer.
“This artist to us is a transcendent performer. She stops any and every show she’s in. Her voice is truly incredible. When they ask, ‘Where’s the next Aretha, where the next Aretha will come from?’ I say it’s [Hudson]. She’s in the studio right now recording what I hope will be a classic album … she’s in the tradition of Adele; she’s a singer’s singer.”
Deadline reports a that a biopic about Franklin has quietly been in development at MGM.
At one point in time, Franklin leaned toward selecting Halle Berry for the role. In 2011, she told Billboard that the movie would primarily feature her own recordings. “A lot of movies come out where it’s the original artist and their songs are lip-sung to. That is how it would turn out if it’s Halle. If not — if, for instance, it’s Jennifer Hudson — she might sing one or two, but the rest would still be my original records. We’re definitely going to use the original records. I may re-record some things, too.”
Hudson earned an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in “Dreamgirls,” the movie about Motown and The Supremes which was based on a successful Broadway musical.
Hopefully Hudson can overcome the drama in her personal life before she begins work on the film.
Hudson obtained a restraining order against her ex-fiancé, David Otunga, back in November, and now we know exactly what she claimed he did.
Hudson’s representatives confirmed news of the order to PEOPLE at the time.
“They have been in the process of ending their relationship for a number of months,” the rep said. “Today, Jennifer requested and received a protective order against her ex-fiancé. Jennifer’s actions are solely taken in the best interest of their son.”
TMZ obtained a copy of the police report that details Hudson’s allegations against her ex. According to the publication, the “Voice” judge alleged that during an argument with Otunga on Nov. 16 over their son, Otunga claimed he was “not leaving” and took David Jr. into a bathroom. Hudson attempted to follow but was reportedly shoved out with both hands, whereupon she stumbled. She claims she called for security, although their guard alleges he never heard a call.
