From Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon to Star Jones and her ex husband Al Reynolds, famous women matching up with seemingly less successful men seems to be en vogue these days. In the latest round of new couples to face the ravages of public scrutiny, Oscar winning actress and R&B singer Jennifer Hudson and “Punk” from VH1’s I Love New York have just announced their engagement.
Jennifer Hudson Gets Engaged
When Jennifer first hit the scene she was reportedly engaged to James Payton. According to reports, the couple met in 1999 when she was just 18.
When asked if they had plans on getting married she said, “We are happy with the place we are right now, but perhaps we will tie the knot someday. One thing’s for sure, I definitely won’t be popping the question!”
The couple reportedly parted ways in December 2007.
Hudson quickly moved on with her life and rumors started about her being linked to “Punk,” David Otunga, from the second season of the popular VH1 show “I Love New York.”
On Monday September 15, the couple set the internet on fire when it was announced that Otunga had popped the question with a Neil Lane diamond ring over the weekend on Hudson’s 27th birthday.
“I can confirm that Jennifer got engaged to her boyfriend David on Friday night in L.A,” said her publicist, Jessica Kolstad, on Monday.
Although David’s stint on the show may have made some people over look his professional accomplishments, he is a Harvard Law graduate and has worked with Rev. Jesse Jackson’s Rainbow PUSH Coalition.
Jennifer Hudson’s Life After American Idol
Jennifer Hudson first gained notice as a finalist on the third season of American Idol. Her powerful six-octave voice wowed viewers but failed to translate into enough votes for her to win that year’s competition.
Hudson took advantage of her 15 minutes of fame turning them into a successful career in the entertainment industry.
She went on to star as Effie White in the 2006 film “Dream Girls,” for which she won an Academy Award. She has also been honored with a Golden Globe Award, BAFTA, and a SAG Award.
Earlier this year, Hudson released the first single from her new album “Spotlight.” Although it has only climbed to the #41 spot on the U.S. charts thus far, the track sets the tone for her self-titled debut scheduled to hit stores later this month.
For more information on Jennifer Hudson, go to her website www.jenniferhudsononline.com.
