From "American Idol" contestant to Academy Award-winning actress, devastating personal family tragedy to ‘bolt from the blue’ new body and dramatic weight loss, Jennifer Hudson's journey to the top is worthy of its own true-story movie.

Jennifer Hudson turns a glamorous 31 today; the Dreamgirls singer-actress is appearing to be better each day. Her debut film won her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, a Golden Globe Award, a BAFTA Award, an NAACP Image Award and a Screen Actors Guild Award among many others.

Following her fame and success, tragedy soon struck Hudson when her 7-year-old nephew, Julian King, disappeared. Hudson's mother and brother were shot after her nephew went missing in what appeared to be a double-homicide. In December 2008, Police arrested Hudson's brother-in-law, William Balfour in relation to the killings. Today, the case is still under invistagation. All our hearts pour out for Hudson and her love ones.

The Oscar winning singer overcomes a catastrophic adversity to get where she is today. In honour of the heroic star, Friday Moviez salutes the magnificent diva Happy Birthday ! Happy Birthday!, Jennifer Hudson!