Jesse Grant/WireImage.comEffie is finally getting her turn in the spotlight.
Jennifer Hudson, onetime American Idol castoff turned bankable (and Oscar-winning) star in her own right, has finally announced a release date for her solo album debut.
The self-titled release from Hudson, who already memorably featured on the Dreamgirls soundtrack, is due out this September on Arista Records. Her first single, "Spotlight," will hit radio on June 9 and be made available for digital download the following day.
"I'm beyond ecstatic about my new album," the star, who continues her industrywide ubiquity by appearing in the upcoming Sex and the City film, said. "I think people will be pleasantly surprised because it shows a side of my work that no one has heard before."
Contributing to that new side is Ne-Yo, Robin Thicke, Timbaland and power ballad songwriter Diane Warren, all of whom worked on the album.
One name that hasn't shown up on any press releases yet: Simon Cowell. Though we're sure he'll find a way to share credit anyhow.