After scoring a Golden Globe, a SAG award, a BAFTA, and almost assuredly, an Oscar for her scene-stealing performance in Dreamgirls, what else is there for Jennifer Hudson to win? Why, a Vogue cover, of course. The American Idol also-ran is not only the fashion glossy’s first full-figured cover gal, but only its third African-American — for Vogue’s power issue, no less. (Interesting that the mag should hit the stands at the same time as Dreamgirls‘ costar Beyoncé’s similarly historic Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue cover. Upstaged again by Hudson!)
So why does J.Hud, who has been rocking the red carpet in Vera Wang and others, look so… awkward? Decked out in a red satiny number, the actress is pictured leaning forward, mouth open, chin out and up, and her cleavage front and center. Given the significance of the shot, you’d think the magazine would have chosen a flattering angle, especially since celeb-shooter extraordinaire Annie Leibovitz was the photog for the gallery, and editor-at-large Andre Leon Talley has been been styling and promoting Hudson all season. (You can see more of the spread here.) All that fashion IQ, and this is the result? Meh.
I don’t have a problem with the picture. But isn’t there a collaboration with the cover girl? Don’t cover girls also give the OK for the cover? There’s a similar picture of Whitney Houston http://i11.ebayimg.com/03/i/06/21/ba/ag_1_b.JPG
Maybe they were trying to get that same cover shot.
I think the dress is gorgeous, she has such good style taste, maybe because she went to modelling school.
She looks happy, confident and having fun. I think you’re reading way too much into this.
I also think that Jennifer looks great. The dress is very flattering and classic and she looks sexy and confident.
I think Hudson looks amazing. The picture illustrates her dynamic personality. Unlike many other Vogue cover shots (bland, serious-looking, ultra-skinny models-actresses ), this one jumps out at you. If you compare this with the covers of Nicole Kidman et al, you see Vogue highlights Hudson’s plus-size everything (beauty, personality, body) in a VERY flattering light. Also glad she looks a lot better than Beyonce in SI.
AMAZING!
J. Hud doesn’t look sloppy at all – better than Bouncy!
I think she looks fabulous.
This picture makes her body look stumpy and hides her neck. I still think she’s lovely, but they did not do this well.
This picture really seems to capture the essence of her beautiful personality.
I have to agree that she looks awkward. Her eyes and her “happy mouth” just doesn’t match – it looks forced and uncomfortable. But then, I would say that she lokks better than when she was on American Idol. So my verdict : everyone could have done a better job.
she’s the third? who were the other two?
No. The original poster is wrong.
This is a Fabulous cover – she looks glamourous. It’s not back-handed at all – it’s Fashion. What are you talking about??
Reminds me of the glammed-up shots Oprah does.
This is a very flattering angle for a larger woman.
Beyonce’ upstaged by Jennifer H. just because she’s on the cover of Vogue. Uh, I don’t think so.
Would you like to compare the sales of ANY edition of Vogue vs. the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit swimsuit issue?
Correction – there have been tons of Black females on the cover of vogue:
http://claycane.blogspot.com/2007/02/hudson-on-vogue.html
Correction, she said power issue. I am sure Michelle is more than aware of the many black woman who have graced the cover solo in the past.
J.Hud. will never upstage Beyonce. No matter what, do to the fact that Beyonce is better looking and way more famous, not to mention a lot thinner. I think Jennifer is great, he figure is great, her voice is great, etc, but it’s kind of like Britney and Christina…. Christina is a better singer, but Britney came out first. So did Beyonce.