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Jennifer Hudson is bringing the holiday spirit — with a little help from her family.
The 43-year-old EGOT winner opened up about how her 15-year-old son, David Otunga Jr., played a key role in her new Christmas album, The Gift of Love.
"[My son] helped name this holiday album," Hudson revealed in an interview with People published Saturday, November 30. "He's a holiday fanatic just like me. He's been very present within this whole thing."
The American Idol alum went on to explain that her teenager — whom she shares with her ex-fiancé, former WWE icon David Otunga — not only helped with the title but also provided feedback throughout the creative process. "We would sit by the fireplace, watch holiday movies together. He even went 'Mama, this song right here is my favorite song off of the Christmas album.' Giving his two cents," she said. "He's encouraging, he helped me learn different notes."
Released in October, The Gift of Love marks Hudson's first holiday album and her first release since 2021's Respect soundtrack. "Everything is family-oriented, even that process," Hudson pointed out.
The proud mom also shared that her son has fully embraced the spirit of giving during the holidays. "He's always looking for gifts to give others. He's a giver, and that's how he was raised," she explained. "He is very much like me. He loves to see everyone come together and have dinner together, have a good time together and seeing the unity in it all."
Although David had a big role in shaping his mom's album, Hudson's boyfriend, Common — whose real name is Lonnie Rashid Lynn — also got in on the holiday magic. The two teamed up for the track "Almost Christmas," putting a fresh spin on the classic "Twas the Night Before Christmas."
"I was saying 'Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house,' and then he came in and he flipped it and started freestyling it and made it really personal," the "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" singer told the publication. "Then I was like, 'Actually, this would be a really cool idea for my holiday album where [he] does [his] interpretation of what that would be.' And then the singing part came along, which is just us welding our musical worlds together."
Hudson and Common, 52, first sparked dating rumors in early 2023 after being spotted together at Nobu in Malibu. By January 2024, the "I Used to Love H.E.R." rapper confirmed their relationship during an appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show, calling Hudson "one of the most beautiful people I've met in life."
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