Former American Idol competitor Jennifer Hudson has been signed to Arista Records. Hudson will head into the studio next year to begin recording her debut album. Life imitates art imitating life -- or vice versa -- as Hudson delivers an Oscar-contending role as 'Effie' in the big-screen version of Dreamgirls.

The vivacious young talent broke viewers' hearts when she was voted out of the 2004 season of the wildly popular FOX TV series "American Idol" -- but Hudson's time away from the spotlight was short, as she subsequently edged out nearly 800 hopefuls to win the role of 'Effie' in the DreamWorks/Paramount production of "Dreamgirls," scheduled to open Christmas Day.

"Jennifer is a vocal wonder, a tremendously gifted artist," said Clive Davis, Arista founder and BMG U.S. Chairman. "Her extraordinary voice gives her a signature sound and distinguishes her from every singer on the horizon today. Jennifer is a very exciting new addition to the Arista family."

The 25-year old Chicago native Hudson honed her skills singing in church, where she brought the congregation to its feet week after week with her soul- stirring solo performances, inspired by her late maternal grandmother. Hudson's talent was nurtured in talent shows and musical productions during her school years, culminating in her first professional role, in a local production of the musical "Big River: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn."

In 2002, Hudson charmed thousands of vacationers from all over the world when she showcased her four-octave vocal range as a featured singer on the Disney Wonder cruise ship. The next chapter of her career unfolded two years later on "American Idol," as Jennifer Hudson took a giant step closer to her most challenging new role -- as Arista's most promising new recording artist.