Usher’s Revelation on Missing Out on Dreamgirls With Jennifer Hudson
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R&B sensation Usher made a surprising revelation during a recent appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show about his missed opportunity to star alongside Hudson in the iconic movie musical, Dreamgirls. The eight-time Grammy winner shared with both the audience and Hudson that he was initially supposed to be part of the star-studded cast, including Beyoncé and Anika Noni Rose.
The revelation came about when Hudson, 43, inquired about how the two first crossed paths. Usher, 46, recalled seeing Hudson’s audition tape for a film he had heard about and shared the news that he was actually slated to be a part of the critically acclaimed movie. Hudson’s shocked reaction and eagerness to learn more about his potential role as her onscreen sibling in the film added a new dynamic to their conversation.
Although Usher didn’t specify the character he was meant to portray, reports from Playbill back in 2005 suggested he was set to play C.C. White, brother to Hudson’s character, Effie. Ultimately, scheduling conflicts due to Usher’s ongoing tour at the time prevented him from joining the Dreamgirls cast, and the role eventually went to Keith Robinson.
Expressing his excitement for what could have been, Usher noted his attempts to rearrange his schedule to accommodate the film shoot but unfortunately, it just wasn’t feasible. Despite missing out on the opportunity to be a part of such a historic production, Usher commended Hudson for her talents and the impact she has had on aspiring young women in the industry.
As the discussion unfolded, Hudson playfully suggested the idea of collaborating on a future duet as a way to make up for their missed chance to work together on Dreamgirls, to which Usher enthusiastically agreed. The camaraderie between the two stars was evident as they reflected on what might have been and looked ahead to future collaborative projects.
Dreamgirls, originally a Broadway musical from 1981, brought together a powerhouse cast led by Hudson, Beyoncé, and Anika Noni Rose, portraying characters going through the ups and downs of the music industry in the 1960s. The film adaptation, which garnered eight Oscar nominations at the 79th Academy Awards, highlighted Hudson’s remarkable performance and her subsequent Academy Award win for Best Supporting Actress.
As the story of Dreamgirls continues to resonate with audiences, the behind-the-scenes anecdotes shared by Usher and Hudson offer a glimpse into the dynamics of casting decisions and the intricacies of Hollywood scheduling. Despite missing out on the chance to see Usher alongside Hudson in Dreamgirls, fans can now envision potential future collaborations between the talented duo, eagerly awaiting what musical magic they may create together.