Jennifer Hudson is an accomplished singer, actress, Broadway star, daytime talk show host and, of course, an EGOT winner — but there’s one thing she hasn’t done that she’s been meaning to do after all these years.
The American Idol alum, 43, opened up about making time for herself in 2025 while chatting exclusively with Parade during a private luncheon hosted by HomeGoods in Santa Monica to celebrate the brand’s new campaign, Finding Time Off (FTO).
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“Finding time off. That’s what I realized I have not done as much of, and that’s what 2025 represents to me,” she says. “Because for 20 years, nonstop, I’ve worked, since probably even before American Idol.”
She continues: “I’ve been blessed to do everything that I love doing, and it’s all a part of me, but the one thing that I have not done too much of is take time for myself. So this year is a balance of things where it’s like, ‘Yes, I’m gonna work, but I’m gonna take my personal time just as seriously as I take my work time.’”
Hudson goes on to tell Parade that partnering with HomeGoods for their newest campaign, which aims to encourage decor enthusiasts to break free from their routine and “embrace some quality aisle time” at HomeGoods, is all about inspiration and finding ways to get creative.
“HomeGoods makes me want to decorate because I get in there and find things I didn’t even know I needed,” she explains. “Or it inspired me to [have] ‘I didn’t have a place for this, but where could I put it’ type of energy. So it inspires me.”
To bring the FTO campaign to life, HomeGoods is offering exciting giveaways on their official Instagram from May 8 to May 16.
Related: Jennifer Hudson Battled Nervous ‘Jitters’ After Shock ‘American Idol’ Elimination 21 Years Ago (Exclusive)
