When many people think of Jennifer Hudson’s singing style, they think of a thunderous, room-shaking tone. But now, with her new Pampers-inspired adaptation of the classic “Lullaby and Goodnight,” the multi-talented performer shows a gentler, sweeter side. We caught up with Hudson last week to discuss her new lullaby recording and how she balances being a mom and a superstar.
How did you incorporate your experiences as a mom into this lullaby?
[By] imagining putting my baby to sleep: What do you want to say to your child? What do you want them to hear before they fall asleep to soothe them, to calm them down? That’s why I did it. Anytime he calls me, I say, “That’s my baby.” I always tell him, “I love your hugs,” “I love your kisses.” So, I really took it from being a mom, and the real experience of that.
Is it difficult balancing motherhood with your work life?
It can be. That’s why I love being from Chicago and living in Chicago. After we had our son, we decided we wanted to go back home, because to me that’s what keeps you grounded. That’s what keeps the foundation. And then you have family there, which is what keeps something normal, at least for him. I wanted him to have as much of a normal childhood as possible, and I felt like that was the best way to do that — by going back home. And although he is always in my world and watching mommy work, and seeing daddy wrestling — that’s different, that will always make him grow up different — if he still has that base, that foundation that we had growing up, then that, to us, is what’s important.
What advice do you have for new parents?
I remember when I first had my baby, I wanted all the guests to go home, but I was so terrified of being home alone with him. It’s natural to be terrified, but it falls into place. You just fall into it.
