jennifer-hudson-hollywood-star

 

Congratulations to singer/actress, Jennifer Hudson, on her induction to the Hollywood Walk of Fame.  Today, she received her Hollywood star alongside many legendary entertainers. The 32-year old singer looked stunningly beautiful in a short white dress and white pumps and recently funky crop hairdo. Her husband and son were in attendance along with Raphael Saddiq and her mentor Clive Davis. Clive Davis presented Jennifer with her star and acknowledged her fast rise to fame  and undeniable talent.

 

“I didn’t sign her to a recording contract at the very beginning,” he recalled. “But when I saw her, I saw her screen test for Dreamgirls, I knew that she was truly a unique, original artist whose career would be nothing short of spectacular so I did sign her, then…I was stunned by her acting range, she was the real deal…and that voice. I had been privileged over the years to work with two of the greatest voices of all time: Aretha Franklin and Whitney Houston. I never thought I’d hear another voice to compare and yet staring me in the face was a new voice that did compare. It literally sent shivers up my spine.”

 

In Jennifer’s acceptance speech she shed a few tears as she spoke about her mom that passed away.

 

“I knew I would get emotional and I’m sure my mom is in heaven like ‘Jenny stop crying’ but now’s the time to cry mama, it is,” she said with a smile, looking up to the sky. “This is an amazing honor as we all know and I did not see this coming. I’m so honored to be here with so many that I love and I feel as though we’re all a family.”

 

Take a look at a few pics from the event:

 

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Jennifer Hudson

 

 

The heartfelt speech showcased Jennifer’s sincerity and sense of gratitude. However, many people wonder why she was awarded a star over so many other great African-American entertainers who’s talent speaks for itself, but also has been in the game for much longer than her.  For instance, the “Queen B” Beyonce has yet to receive her own personal star on the famous Walk of Fame. The Houston-born singer did receive one with her group Destiny’s Child. Also, her hubby Jay-Z hasn’t received his own star as well. Considering the two have became moguls in music and business, has won numerous awards, and are two of the richest entertainers in the business, you would think they’d have stars by now.

 

So what’s really going on in Hollywood??  Well, apparently, there are certain criteria an entertainer mus meet in order to receive a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.  In case you don’t know what those requirements are, STACKS Magazine did a little research and we’ve found them.  Check out the full list of requirements below:

 

Symbols on the Stars

Each star has a different brass symbol representing the category in which the celebrity received his or her star. The symbols are:

 

1. Movie Camera – for contributions to the motion picture industry

2. Record – for contributions to the recording industry

3. Microphone – for contributions to the radio broadcast industry

4. Television – for contributions to the television broadcast industry

5. Theater Masks – for contributions to theater

 

Criteria for Getting a Star on the Walk of Fame

The criteria for getting a star on the Walk of Fame are fairly simple. For consideration, a nominee must:

 

1. Have a record of professional achievement within the nominated field.

2. Have worked in the entertainment industry for a minimum of five years.

3. Have made contributions to the community, typically through charitable activities.

 

The recipient must also agree to attend the dedication ceremony. In addition, a sponsorship fee of $25,000 must be paid. Non-human and fictional characters are also eligible for stars on the Walk of Fame. Kermit the Frog, Big Bird, Rin Tin Tin and Lassie all have stars.

 

Process for Getting a Star on the Walk of Fame

Nominations for getting a star on the Walk of Fame are announced in the entertainment trades. The nominations must be submitted by May 31 to the Walk of Fame Committee, which is division of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. Although the deadline is May 31, applications are accepted year round.

 

Sponsors of the nominees must fill out a very simple nomination form listing the nominee’s qualifications for inclusion in the Walk of Fame. Chances are your very first job application was more complicated than this form, which you can download in PDF format HERE. Sponsors can also submit non-returnable samples of the nominee’s work.

 

The committee receives a few hundred nominations a year and out of these typically chooses a couple dozen inductees. Once the Walk of Fame Committee has selected a nominee, the celebrity must be approved by the Board of Directors for the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, the Los Angeles City Board of Public Works and finally the Los Angeles City Council.

 

The induction ceremony is presided over by honorary Hollywood mayor, Johnny Grant, and is open to the public.

 

HISTORICAL FACTS:  The Walk of Fame began as a beautification project for the city of Hollywood in 1958. It was created by artist, Oliver Weismuller as a tribute to honor celebrities in the fields of motion pictures, television, radio, theater and music. The Walk of Fame originated with 2,500 blank stars made of pink and charcoal terrazzo. As stars were inducted into the Walk of Fame, the blank stars are removed and replaced with a star bearing the celebrities name and area of show business. The stars run down Hollywood Boulevard between Gower Street and LaBrea Avenue. They also run up Vine Street between Sunset Boulevard and Yucca Street.

 

 

DO YOU THINK JENNIFER HUDSON DESERVED A STAR ON THE HOLLYWOOD WALK OF FAME?  WHO ELSE IN THE INDUSTRY IS LONG OVERDUE FOR ONE?