"Our Chicago roots is a huge part of it": Jennifer Hudson reflects on her relationship with Common

Jennifer Hudson has reflected on her relationship with rapper Common, highlighting how their Chicago roots play a significant part in what makes their connection meaningful and strong.

In an interview with E! News at the Daytime Emmy Awards on October 17, 2025, the 44-year-old singer said:

“Our Chicago roots is a huge part of it. We're just similar souls and spirits. He's such a beautiful person, and I just respect him for just who he is, how he is.”

Hudson and the rapper went public with their relationship in January 2024. Although rumors of their relationship had been circulating in the media since 2022, when they worked together on the film Breathe. They officially confirmed their relationship during an episode of The Jennifer Hudson Show.

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Relationship explored between Jennifer Hudson and Common

Jennifer Hudson and Common’s relationship has evolved from friendship to romantic partners over the period of time. They first appeared in 2014 when they attended the Stand Up to Cancer event in Hollywood. They posed on the red carpet together.

Later in February 2015, Hudson and Common were seen attending the Pre-GRAMMY Gala and Salute to Industry Icons. Their friendship began when they met in 2022 on the set of Breathe, which starred Sam Worthington and Milla Jovovich. The rapper revealed on the Mama I Made It! podcast that their relationship “is one of the greatest blessings.” He said:

“The friendship, the partnership, the life partnership, just the connection, it's one of those things where you don't know truly what true partnership and relationship is until you get there. It's like those things you pray for and you don't get them until you're ready. Whatever growing I had to do, it was the divine time in alignment when Jennifer and I started being interested in each other.”

Although Jennifer Hudson and Common have not been married yet, they have been dropping hints lately. An insider close to the couple told Life & Style Magazine:

“They’ve been talking openly about it for a while. For the past year it’s been Common dropping hints and her encouraging it. It’s something they both seem to want, but Common has to be the one to take charge and do the asking. And he finally seems to be ready.”

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During his appearance on The Breakfast Club, Common shared his views on marriage and said that if he were ever to get married, it would be to Jennifer Hudson.

Hudson was previously engaged to professional wrestler David Otunga, whom she dated for over a decade. They share a son, David Daniel Otunga Jr. On the other hand, the rapper was in a relationship with ex-fiancée Kim Jones, with whom he shares a daughter, Omoye.

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