Jennifer Hudson

Q&A: Jennifer Hudson

UPDATED 11/14/2008 at 12:00 PM EST • Originally published 10/20/2008 at 12:00 PM EDT

How does it feel to finally release your album?
The day it came out I woke up crying. I was so emotional.

What was it like on the set of The Secret Life of Bees?
We sang a lot. We'd just hop in and harmonize. I was like, "Wow, I'm singing with Queen Latifah and Alicia Keys!" And I call Dakota [Fanning] Mama Dakota. She's so mature.

Does Hollywood ever make you insecure about your body?
Never. Everybody's a size 0—they all look the same. But you know Jennifer when you see her. They may have a problem with being size 12, but I don't.

You got engaged to David Otunga on your birthday, Sept. 12.
Neither of us has ever been happier. He asked my mother for permission; he's very traditional. I'm smiling just talking about him!

Did you see each other's reality shows? [Harvard Law grad Otunga, 28, was on the Flavor of Love spinoff I Love New York 2.]
I don't know if he saw mine, but I definitely saw his! [laughs]

Did it give you any reservations about him?
No. I don't like people to judge me from my reality show so it's not fair to do the same.

Planning your wedding yet?
I do know that I want it to be a full-on production. Like, huge.

We hear you have two other important companions.
My Pomeranians Oscar and Grammy. I got Oscar before I won, then I got another dog named Grammy. . . . We'll see!