Obama asks Jennifer Hudson to sing anthem

Former ‘Idol’ contestant and Oscar winner to perform in Denver Thursday

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updated 11:05 a.m. ET Aug. 26, 2008

LOS ANGELES - Oscar winner and former “American Idol” contestant Jennifer Hudson will sing at the Democratic National Convention at the request of Barack Obama.

Access Hollywood has learned exclusively that Obama asked the singer to perform the National Anthem Thursday night in Denver when he formally accepts the party’s nomination.

An appearance at the convention is one of the many things keeping Hudson busy. She will release her self-titled debut album, “Jennifer Hudson,” on Sept. 30, followed by the release of her new film, “The Secret Life of Bees,” opposite Queen Latifah, Alicia Keys and Dakota Fanning on Oct. 17.

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