After much anticipation, Jennifer Hudson finally released her self-titled debut album today…

We first familiarized ourselves with Jennifer Hudson on Fantasia’s season of American Idol, where she was voted off and was told by Simon that she’d never really amount to much. I guess he’s eating his words. Hudson scored the much sought-after role of Effie White in the critically acclaimed 2006 adaptation of the Broadway music, Dreamgirls. Hudson performed with an all-star cast, including the likes of Oscar-award winning Jamie Foxx, Dannie Glover, Eddie Murphy, as well as Beyonce, and actually won an Academy Award herself for Best Supporting Actress. The girl with the big voice and the big dreams was definitely making her way, and it was then that Clive Davis offered her a deal with J. Records to record her debut album.

I was a little scared for Jennifer, I have to admit. I wasn’t sure how that big voice was going to translate with contemporary, radio-friendly R&B music. Her voice is so amazing for the stage, but I had never heard anything from her that I thought would translate into an album. Apparently, an album was recorded and scrapped. Jennifer went back in to record and finally, we got “♫ SPOTLIGHT,” the power-house ballad for women whose men just won’t leave them alone, because they know they might find something better. I was pleasantly surprised by “Spotlight.” Hudson gave me a very catchy hook, with the classic Ne-Yo/StarGate feel. My interest had been rekindled, because I just wasn’t sure how long her actress buzz was going to keep her music fans interested.

The project was kept well under wraps. No material really leaked until about 2 weeks before the release, and I was eager to see what other material Jennifer had recorded. On the album, Hudson works with a lot of big names like Timbaland, The Clutch, Jim Beanz, StarGate and Polow Da Don, with features from Ludacris, T-Pain and fellow-Idol contestant, Fantasia.

Admittedly, I had my doubts at first, and was definitely one of the naysayers for a contemporary R&B album from Hudson, but I was pleasantly surprised. Jennifer Hudson is a cohesive debut effort, which showcases Jennifer Hudson’s vocal ability and range, without making her sound forced or strained. The material was picked immaculately. Stand-out tracks include, of course, the stellar single, “Spotlight,” the hard-hitting and slightly comical, “Pocketbook,” “This Isn’t Love” (which I think is Hudson’s next single), as well as the Fantasia duet, “I’m His Only Woman.” I think the only thing I’m mad about is them slinging “And I Am Tellin’ You I’m Not Going” at the end of the album.

Make sure you pick up Jennifer Hudson’s self-titled debut album in stores and online everywhere today!