Grammy-award winner, an Oscar at 25 and best-selling author, is there anything that Jennifer Hudson doesn’t excel in?
Fresh from coaching the winning act in last year’s The Voice UK, the talented songstress, takes her place once again beside Sir Tom Jones, will.i.am and newcomer, Olly Murs in the new series of ITV’s hit show.
Read our interview with her.
How does it feel to be back?
I’m so excited to be back! It feels different returning after having the winning contestant last season. My first season, I had the pressure of being new and now I have the pressure of being reigning champion. I am trying not to think about it too much and just have fun with it.
You are doing the US version of The Voice as well, is there a different vibe to the British show?
There isn’t anything drastically different between the two shows aside from the accents! All of the contestants are pursuing their dreams and both shows have passionate coaches. British people are definitely a little more reserved.
Is it nice to be back sat between Will and Tom?
Always! It is so fun and such an interesting panel. You have Tom, a legend, who I am always blown away by. It is just a joy to be in his presence and sit next to him and watch and learn from him. Anything he says is just gold and I just think, ‘wow.’ Just telling his story is history, iconic.
Will, I swear his mind is like outer space. Just trying to understand his thought process and how he thinks keeps me going. What is Will saying? What is he thinking? Where is he going with this? But it makes it a very interesting panel.
Have you got any further down the road to understanding where Will comes from and where his thoughts emanate from?
At one point, I thought I had him figured out but I am finding I haven’t. He has gotten crazier! It is his charm and I love it. It just shows how we are all individuals!
Your two final acts from last year, Mo Adeniran and Jamie Miller, are both doing well…
Mo is so busy, I knew from the moment he won he would be. Once the ball starts rolling it never stops. Even for me, once I was on the American Idol rollercoaster it never ended and I see the same for Mo. Jamie is like a little brother. He will text me or send me videos. He is always singing something. If I can support any of my acts in finding their dream, I am here. Once you are in JHud Productions you are stuck with me!
During filming, you brought a collection plate in with you, tell us about that…
A fan gave it to me in America. She said every time I sing, I take everyone to church and gave me a collection plate. I said I would take it with me to The Voice UK. In church, we take up a collection after the choir sings. So, if the acts have sung exceptionally well, I feel the need to get up and take a collection from the audience. Of course, any money collected will go to charity.
You didn’t know what many of the coins and notes were in the plate!
I have no idea what the money is! I have travelled all across to the UK and I still can’t figure it out. It is fancy currency!
You sing a lot for the audience during breaks as well…
I always love to sing. I love singing for the audience. Sometimes I just sit there and do it subconsciously. Whenever I am performing, I want to hear the audience too. They want to be part of it too.
Do you think you can win again this year?
I definitely think my team can win again this year. I am still passionate about the contestants and I feel that is what helped us win last season. The passion will never die.
