The Gay Man's Queen

[July 7th, 2004] This year's American Idol talent search was a lot of things, including irritating, infuriating and unusually anticlimactic. That might have had to do with Judge Simon looking more bored than ever. But what made it such a troublesome show to see through to the bitter end was the fact that all the good people were voted off way too early, including Jennifer Hudson.

Hudson, the true idol of the 2004 season, is a self-proclaimed "urban" girl from South Chicago who made it only to the top seven, despite being a favorite of the audience as well as some of the judges. The ouster of the 22-year-old sparked complaints of vote-bungling and racism. Hudson, however, steered clear of controversy and focused on her music.

I was impressed by Hudson's humor and humility when she called me from her hometown of Chicago prior to embarking on the AI tour that will bring her to Portland next week. As she told me, "There's so many more people out there sitting at home wishing they were in the position to be put in the bottom three and be eliminated. So how can I complain?"

Here's what else my American Idol had to say.

QW: Is AI rigged in a way that makes it hard for you to show your true self?

Jennifer Hudson: I wouldn't say it's rigged. If we had extra minutes to put in a bit more of Jennifer--well, that would help a bit.

Was it too controversial this year?

Controversy is good. People remember and talk about you, regardless if it's good or bad. As long as you know the truth, it really doesn't matter what anybody else thinks.

You've described yourself as "the good diva." What do you mean by that?

I don't have an ego that's "Oh, she thinks she's all that" or "You have to do this for me." [Interviewers] tell me, "Wow, you don't have a lot of demands. You're not"--excuse my language--"bitchy like a lot of people."

Who are your role models?

Beyoncé, all the way.

How does it feel to be a gay icon?

When you just said that I was almost in tears, because I always call myself the "gay man's queen." That reminds me of Beyoncé. [A big part of her fan base] is the gay community. I've always admired that. I feel the biggest compliment comes from a gay man.

Why is that?

If I can get a compliment out of a gay man, I know I'm doing something right. I must be fierce and working it, OK?

I think it's because there's a part of you that's passionate and wild when you sing.

Yeah, and I love drag queens.

You love drag queens?

I admire them.

George Huff is your best friend on the show, right?

What's that about? Are you in love with him?

Oh, no! [laughs] You got jokes. No. We are just friends. We just cool like that.

Are you dating now?

Yes, I have a boyfriend. We've been together for a long time. His name is James.

Is he the most important person in your life?

Oh, my goodness! Can I say what is?

Yeah.

My music. That's the most, yeah.