Jennifer Hudson is making history.
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The former American Idol 3 finalist and Oscar-nominated Dreamgirls actress will appear on the cover of Vogue's March issue, making Hudson only the third African-American celebrity to be on the cover of the fashion magazine. The 25-year-old will follow talk show tycoon Oprah Winfrey and actress Halle Berry as the only other African American to grace Vogue's cover since the magazine was founded in 1892.
"There is no more inspiring example of the power of talent and tenacity than Jennifer's rise from American Idol reject to Golden Globe winner," Vogue editor Anna Wintour wrote in her March "Letter from the Editor" column, the Boston Herald reported Wednesday.
March's Vogue issue is one of its biggest of the year -- not just because of it's spring fashion preview -- but because it's also the "Power Issue," which is reportedly "dedicated entirely to celebrating women's success and strength."
"[Hudson is] a style icon whose happiness in her own skin is something we can draw strength from," wrote Wintour. "The question of body image is a current one, and I can't think of a more compelling and beautiful argument for the proposition that great fashion looks great on women of all sizes than the sight of Hudson in a Vera Wang dress on the red carpet."
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Hudson was shot by famed American photographer Annie Leibovitz. The interview that accompanies her photo spread was conducted by Andre Leon Talley.
"I am really, really honored and proud to be a part of the journey of Jennifer Hudson to the cover of Vogue magazine," Talley said in an interview with Vogue. "My enthusiasm for Jennifer, when I'm with her, I just feel like I'm in the presence of a walking sun. Her spirit is as gold as a golden sun on a beautiful day."
Talley went on to praise Hudson's acting and singing abilities -- and compared her role in Dreamgirls to that of Barbara Streisand when she received an Oscar for 1969's Funny Girl -- which launched her career.
"When [Hudson] sings, people of all ages and all races and all persuasions respond to her in an emotional way," said Talley. "They find in her voice hope. I think she will become an icon based on her talent."
According to Talley, "there's never been an African-American woman on the cover of Vogue," like Hudson. He said Berry received her cover only after she won an Oscar in 2002 for her role in Monster's Ball.
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"Jennifer at this point hasn't gotten her Oscar, and we hope she will," said Tally. "So I feel that we have made history."
The March issue of Vogue is scheduled to hit newsstands on Tuesday, February 20.
About The Author: Christopher Rocchio