Jennifer Hudson is a lot of things: a singer, actor, talk show host, award winner. Most recently, she’s added California resident to that list. Known for her remarkable achievements in music and film, Hudson has found a new home and source of inspiration in the Golden State.
Since relocating to Los Angeles to launch her daytime talk show, The Jennifer Hudson Show, Hudson has fully embraced the California lifestyle. Whether taking swimming lessons with Olympian Ryan Lochte or horseback riding on the shores of Santa Barbara, Hudson is dedicated to trying new things whenever she can. In 2022, she achieved another entertainment milestone by joining the exclusive EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony) winners club—a feat accomplished by fewer than 20 individuals.
The 2024 California Road Trips guide cover star sat down and took the California Questionnaire, revealing her favorite splurges, restaurants, and activities in the Golden State.
Where do you live? Los Angeles.
Why there? It’s where my talk show, The Jennifer Hudson Show, is filmed.
Who or what is your greatest California love? The Hollywood Bowl, the live music venue in Los Angeles. I don't care if I'm performing on the stage or just sitting there watching somebody perform. I think it’s one of the greatest venues for concerts and performances. And my teams: I've adopted the Lakers and the Clippers as my home teams. But it's kind of hard when they play the Bulls because I'm from Chicago, so then I've got to cheer for both.
What is the biggest misperception about Californians? People tend to think that all Californians are the same. There is such diversity here.
What is the stereotype that most holds true? The weather is very consistent. The sun loves California.
What is your favorite Golden State splurge? I’d say it’s a shopping spree. Jennifer is going to shop down.
Time for a road trip—where are you going? I’m torn between Santa Barbara and San Diego. Driving is freedom. I like to drive in the daytime so you can see. You need to see how beautiful California is. That alone is part of the trip. I also like snacks. I love EL Pollo Loco. Then I like to eat at Eddie V’s steakhouse in La Jolla. And we stay at Casa Del Mar.
If you could decree an official state culinary experience, what would it be? I love tacos and so does my son—he wants tacos every day. He went through this taco kick where he has had 20 tacos a day. We love Frida Mexican Cuisine in Beverly Hills.
What is your favorite way to play in California? I’ve gone whale watching and skiing. Next, I want to go, like, rock climbing out here. That's something on my list to do because I love looking at the mountains, but I want to become a part of it in some way. So that's a goal. And then sometimes it's good to just get out there and just lay on the beach and look up and around. Everywhere you turn is beauty.
Where would you go for the ultimate shopping spree in California? Rodeo Drive, The Grove, Malibu, and Abbot Kinney Boulevard in Venice.
Best California song? “Soak Up the Sun” by Sheryl Crow. Everything to me has a song and that is the song of what California makes me feel like, what California is.
How would your California dream day unfold? I could wake up at home—or at one my favorite hotels in San Diego or Santa Barbara—to the beautiful sun shining. I love seeing the hummingbirds and the water. That’s what made me fall in love even more with California. Maybe a bike ride. I feel like the weather here is almost guaranteed, so I don’t have to worry about that. I’d probably get a massage, do some shopping, and then go to Nobu in Malibu and have me a good old dinner. Give me a restaurant with a little fireplace.
