Oscar-winner Jennifer Hudson is gearing up to release her debut album - four years after she shot to fame as a contestant on the talent show American Idol. The Dreamgirls star will release her self-titled record in September, with the LP's first single Spotlight slated to hit record stores in the summer.

Hudson has worked with a range of well-known producers on the upcoming SonyBMG album, including R&B heavyweight Timbaland, crooner Robin Thicke and singer Ne-Yo - who wrote the album's first single release. And the star can't wait to show off her vocal talents: "I think people will be pleasantly surprised, because it shows a side of my work that no one has heard before."

Hudson was voted off American Idol in the hit show's third season in 2004, before finding critical acclaim for her role in 2006's Dreamgirls, scooping an Academy-Award, Golden Globe and a BAFTA in 2007.

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(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)