Jennifer Hudson opened up about what makes her relationship with rapper Common work, nearly two years after publicly confirming their romance.
The “American Idol” alum shared insights into their partnership during an exclusive interview with E! News at the Daytime Emmy Awards on October 17.
Hudson attended the ceremony where she received nominations for Daytime Talk Series Host and Daytime Talk Series for “The Jennifer Hudson Show.”
When asked about her relationship with the “Glory” artist, the EGOT winner highlighted a key factor that strengthens their bond.
The couple, both natives of Chicago, share deep roots that extend beyond their romantic connection.
Chicago Connection
“Our Chicago roots is a huge part of it,” Hudson told E! News correspondent Will Marfuggi. “We’re just similar souls and spirits. He’s such a beautiful person, and I just respect him for just who he is, how he is.”
The 44-year-old singer expressed admiration for Common’s character and presence in her life. “He’s a blessing. A light. That man is a light,” she continued.
Common, whose real name is Lonnie Rashid Lynn, has been equally vocal about his feelings for Hudson. During a July appearance on the “Mama, I Made It!” podcast, the 53-year-old rapper opened up about the significance of their partnership.
“That relationship is one of the greatest blessings and most important things in my life,” he said. “The friendship, the partnership, the life partnership… just the connection. Man, it’s one of those things where you don’t know truly what true partnership or relationship is until you get there.”
Common acknowledged that personal growth prepared him for this relationship. The rapper, who previously dated Tiffany Haddish, admitted he had to “grow and evolve as a person” before he was ready for his romance with Hudson to begin.
“It’s like those things you pray for, you don’t get them until you’re ready,” he explained. “Whatever growing I had to do, it was the divine time in alignment with when Jennifer and I started being interested in each other.”
From Co-Stars to Partners
Though Common and Hudson had “been around each other” previously, their most recent collaboration came in 2022 when they worked together on the film “Breathe.” Common recognized that timing played a crucial role in their relationship’s development, according to E! Online.
“We’ve worked together before, but this was the time where we just felt and got to see each other in that way,” he added.
The couple went public with their relationship in January 2024 during an episode of “The Jennifer Hudson Show.” Dating rumors had been circulating since they filmed “Breathe” together.
Beyond their romantic connection, Common expressed deep respect for Hudson’s artistic abilities. “It’s inspiring to have somebody who’s as talented and just soulful and gifted, and can do all these different things and is one of the greatest vocalists of all time,” he stated.
The pair first appeared together publicly in 2014 at the Stand Up to Cancer event in Hollywood, where they posed on the red carpet. They were later seen together at the Pre-GRAMMY Gala and Salute to Industry Icons in February 2015.
While Hudson and Common have not announced an engagement, sources close to the couple suggest marriage discussions have been happening. An insider told Life & Style Magazine: “They’ve been talking openly about it for a while. For the past year, it’s been Common dropping hints and her encouraging it. It’s something they both seem to want, but Common has to be the one to take charge and do the asking. And he finally seems to be ready.”
During an appearance on “The Breakfast Club,” Common shared his views on marriage, stating that if he were ever to marry, it would be to Hudson.
Hudson was previously engaged to professional wrestler David Otunga, with whom she dated for over a decade. They share a son, David Daniel Otunga Jr., born in 2009, according to Parade. Common was formerly engaged to Kim Jones, with whom he shares a daughter, Omoye, born in 1997.
Both performers bring impressive credentials to their relationship. Hudson is one of the youngest women to achieve EGOT status. The artist won all four major American entertainment awards by age 40. Common has earned three Grammy Awards, a Primetime Emmy Award, an Academy Award, and a Golden Globe.
