Jan. 4, 2007: Four days after New Year’s Eve, our cover team had one more toast to make – saluting Dreamgirls’ Jennifer Hudson, Hollywood’s breakout star. Even after back-to-back appearances, including a 4:00 A.M. call time for Good Morning America, Jennifer arrived promptly for our shoot at the Beekman Tower Hotel in Manhattan looking amazingly refreshed. Just as she walked into the suite, she heard the news of her Screen Actors Guild Nomination for Best Supporting Actress. After a round of congratulations from the entire crew, Jennifer’s glam squad – stylist Kiyah Wright and makeup artist Tia Dantzler-got to work transforming our cover girl into her first look. In between set changes and hair and makeup tweaks, she sang along to her iPod, belting out the latest tunes from Beyonce, Fantasia and Ciara. Photographer Len Prince easily captured the ingenue’s fun loving personality. “Jennifer’s been practicing for this moment her entire life,” says Dantzler. And we see why: Jennifer you were born to be a star.
Fashion Director Agnes Cammock adds the finishing touches.
The glamour girl gets into character.
Arts and Entertainment Editor Cori Murray dishes with Jen.
Agnes Cammock gets her look just right.
This is how real Hollywood starlets work it for the camera.
Almost there Jennifer!
Arts and Entertainment Editor Cori Murray dishes with Jen.
Jennifer Hudson joins Len Prince in looking over the final shots.
