However, life has not been without its turmoil for this singing sensation and in October 2008, Hudson received the devastating news that her mother, Darnell, and brother, Jason, had been shot and murdered at home. Her seven-year-old nephew, Julian, was also missing. His body was found three days later in the back of a stolen pick-up truck. Her former brother-in-law, William Balfour, was convicted of the three murders in 2012.

Jennifer HudsonJennifer Hudson's life has been traumatic

Of the horrifying experience, she told The Guardian’s Observer magazine she still struggles to talk about it. "I have definitely seen the highest of the highs and the lowest of the low. You don’t really know how strong you are until you are placed in that kind of moment.

"I don’t really know what else to say."

Hudson returned to the stage following her family’s tragedy in February 2009 when she sang the Star-Spangled Banner at the Superbowl XLIII.

MORE: Jennifer Hudson Breaks Down At Family Murder Trial

Her second studio album, I Remember Me, was released in 2011 and included the hit singles Where You At and No One Gonna Love You.

Hudson’s latest offering, JHUD, is said to be a more upbeat album and something she feels really proud of. The singer told magazine, Angelino: "What we’re doing feels so right that I never want to go home (from the studio)."

Coming from a young church choir singer that tried her hand at a televised singing competition, the transformation to superstar is evident for all to see.