Jennifer Hudson Receives Grammy Nomination for ‘The Gift of Love’ on Her Late Mother’s Birthday: “Blessed”

Jennifer Hudson is celebrating a deeply emotional career milestone. The EGOT winner and powerhouse vocalist has earned her ninth Grammy nomination, this time for her 2024 holiday record The Gift of Love, which was recognized in the Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album category for the upcoming 2026 Grammy Awards. The honor arrived on a date filled with personal meaning — her late mother’s birthday.

A Grammy Nomination with Deep Personal Meaning

Hudson, 44, spoke about the news while attending the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in Los Angeles on November 8, 2025, where she performed as part of a tribute to the late music legend Sly Stone. In the press room, she reflected on how the nomination felt particularly special.

“I’m still living a dream, it’s blessed me,” Hudson said. “I’m a holiday fanatic, so to be able to be acknowledged in that way with the album that is so dear to my heart is beyond a dream. And it was on my late mother’s birthday as well, which made it even more special.”

The singer’s mother, Darnell Donerson, died tragically in October 2008 at the age of 57, along with Hudson’s brother Jason and 7-year-old nephew Julian. The family members were victims of a fatal shooting in Chicago carried out by Hudson’s then–brother-in-law, William Balfour, who is currently serving life in prison.

The Gift of Love: A Passion Project

Hudson’s nominated album, The Gift of Love, was released in October 2024 and marks her first studio record in a decade. Described by Hudson as “a project that was done with heart,” the album blends holiday classics with original songs and features rich orchestral arrangements that highlight her signature soulful vocals.

The project also represents her debut in the pop vocal album category, expanding her Grammy footprint beyond the R&B and musical theater genres where she has previously excelled. The nomination solidifies her continued evolution as an artist nearly 20 years after first captivating audiences on American Idol.

A History of Grammy Wins and Milestones

Hudson has already won two Grammy Awards during her career. Her first came in 2009, when her self-titled debut album won Best R&B Album at the 51st Annual Grammy Awards. Nearly a decade later, she earned her second Grammy in 2017, alongside the Broadway revival cast of The Color Purple, which won Best Musical Theater Album.

At the time, Hudson played Shug Avery, marking her Broadway debut and further cementing her reputation as one of the industry’s most versatile performers. Her latest nomination continues that legacy — and for Hudson, it’s another affirmation that her artistry continues to grow and resonate.

Honoring Legends at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

While reflecting on her Grammy nod, Hudson also expressed gratitude for being part of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame ceremony, calling it “an honor” to perform for the inductees.

“My life is like a whole dream to be able to do that,” she said. “It’s always an honor to be here, to sing, and to pay tribute to all the greats and the legends.”

Hudson joined a lineup of celebrated performers — including Stevie Wonder, Questlove, Maxwell, Beck, Flea, and fellow 2026 Grammy nominee Leon Thomas — for a vibrant tribute performance honoring Sly and the Family Stone. The ensemble performed a medley of the group’s most iconic hits at the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles.

The 2025 class of inductees included Cyndi Lauper, The White Stripes, OutKast, Soundgarden, Bad Company, Chubby Checker, and Joe Cocker, with Warren Zevon and Salt-N-Pepa receiving the Musical Influence Award.

Finding Strength Through Music

For Hudson, this Grammy nomination arrives not only as a professional triumph but as a moment of personal reflection. Having endured unimaginable loss, she continues to use her music as a vessel for love, resilience, and faith — themes that run throughout The Gift of Love.

“This album was really about joy and gratitude,” Hudson said during an earlier interview promoting the project. “Every song came from a place of celebration — not just of the holidays, but of the people we carry with us.”

Looking Ahead to the 2026 Grammys

The 68th Annual Grammy Awards will be held on February 1, 2026, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. Hudson’s nomination places her alongside major artists such as Lady Gaga, Michael Bublé, and Sabrina Carpenter in one of the night’s most competitive categories.

As she looks toward the upcoming ceremony, Hudson remains grounded in gratitude. “It’s always about the love — that’s what keeps me going,” she said. “I’m just thankful I get to keep sharing my voice, especially on a day that means so much to me.”

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