Preview: Jennifer Hudson to Perform at Art Van’s Grand Opening on July 30, 2015 in Downers Grove, Ill.

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CHICAGO – Jennifer Hudson has won an Academy Award and a Grammy. Not bad for the 33-year-old singer and actress who was discovered as a runner-up on “American Idol.” She will perform in Downers Grove, Ill. this Thursday, July 30, 2015 at Art Van Furniture’s grand-opening event “The Art of WOW!”

Jennifer Hudson Will Perform at the Downers Grove (Illinois) Art Van Store Grand Opening on July 30, 2015
Photo credit: Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.com

Hudson was born in the Englewood neighborhood of Chicago in 1981, and started her career in the city with Righteous Records. She was released from the label to participate on “American Idol” in 2004, and placed seventh in the third season of the popular singing competition. One year later, Hudson was cast as Effie White in the film version of “Dreamgirls,” and won the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for that role in February of 2007. Her appropriately titled “Jennifer Hudson” debut album won a Grammy for Best R&B Album at the 2009 Grammy Awards.

Jennifer Hudson Brings Her Academy Award Winning Talent to the Art Van Grand Opening
Photo credit: Joe Arce of Starstruck Foto for HollywoodChicago.com

The Art Van Furniture Store will launch its largest store in the chain’s 55 year history with the Downers Grove Grand Opening. It is the eighth store in the Chicago area, and the 89th in the retailer’s legacy. The store will open for business on August 1st, 2015, after the private July 30th Grand Opening and ribbon cutting, which will feature a performance by Jennifer Hudson. Hudson was photographed for this article in 2012 by HollywoodChicago.com photographer Joe Arce.

By PATRICK McDONALD Writer, Editorial Coordinator HollywoodChicago.com pat@hollywoodchicago.com