Claim: Jennifer Hudson has songs.

Jennifer Hudson is the debut studio album by American actress and recording artist Jennifer Hudson . It was first released in Australia , and it physically released in North America on September 27 , 2008 , by Arista Records and J Records . Jennifer Hudson has worked with a variety range of several producers and songwriters on the album ; including Rock City , Missy Elliott , Brian Kennedy , Ne-Yo , Salaam Remi , T-Pain , Tank , Timbaland and The Underdogs , among others . Three singles were released ; the `` Spotlight reached number one on the Billboard Hot R&B / Hip-Hop Songs and in the top 20 on the UK Singles Chart . Jennifer Hudson debuted at number two on the US Billboard 200 and Top R&B / Hip-Hop Albums charts , with first week sales of 217,000 copies . and was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America -LRB- RIAA -RRB- in the United States .   Hudson promoted the album in a numerous live appearances ; including co-heading a North American concert tour , with Robin Thicke , from March to May 2009 . Hudson won three NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding New Artist , Outstanding Album and Outstanding Duo or Group for the album , and was nominated for four Grammy Awards , winning the Best R&B Album . A deluxe edition was released to iTunes on February 24 , 2009 .