Jennifer Hudson's ascent, in the words of poet Langston Hughes, has not been made on a crystal stair. In fact, the life of this daughter of a bus driver in many ways parallels that of Effie White, her character in the slam-dunk hit movie Dreamgirls, for which Hudson has captured a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture and an Oscar nomination. In her first screen role, Hudson's Effie—a singer robbed of glory despite immense talent—is the bullet train who brings the movie to a fast-paced, premature climax with her operatic rendition of "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going," an anthem of affirmation that goes right to your bone marrow. In theaters across the country, viewers spring to their feet and applaud the power of this booming mezzo-soprano who draws comparisons to Jennifer Holliday, who originated the role on Broadway in 1981. Not only has the 25-year-old Chicago native captivated moviegoers and awards committees alike, but she has enchanted Manhattan's fashion, media, and society elite, no small feat.

"Bringing Down the House" has been edited for Style.com; the complete story appears in the March 2007 issue of Vogue.

Click here for the full article.

Watch our exclusive video interview with André Leon Talley on his favorite rising star, Jennifer Hudson >