Jennifer Hudson – Dreamgirls

Following her spectacular turn on American Idol, Jennifer Hudson made the leap to (Oscar-winning) movies! Dreamgirls follows Deena (Beyoncé Knowles), Effie (Jennifer Hudson) and Lorrell (Anika Noni Rose) who form a music trio called the Dreamettes. When ambitious manager Curtis Taylor Jr. (Jamie Foxx) spots the act at a talent show, he offers the chance of a lifetime, to be backup singers for a national star (Eddie Murphy). Taylor takes creative control of the group and eventually pushes the singers into the spotlight. However, one becomes the star, forcing another out, which teaches them about the high cost of fame. Jennifer went on to win the Academy Award for Best Actress In a Supporting Role at the 2007 Oscars; not bad for your first gig, huh?