Jennifer Hudson Claims Her Holiday Title: 'Mariah Carey Is the Queen of Christmas, and I'm the Princess' (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

Jennifer Hudson in September 2024.Photo:Rodin Eckenroth/WireImage; Leon Bennett/Getty

Rodin Eckenroth/WireImage; Leon Bennett/Getty

Jennifer Hudsonis claiming her royal holiday title!

After taking the stage at2024 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremonyto perform with the legendaryDionne Warwickon Oct. 19, Hudson opened up about feeling as though her love of Christmas earns her a special festive title.

However, theAmerican Idolalum would never dream of coming for her Christmas-loving friendMariah Carey’s crown. “I think Mariah is the Queen of Christmas, and I’m the Princess of Christmas,” Hudson tells PEOPLE. “At least, I named myself.”

The title is apt considering the EGOT winner released her first-ever holiday album,The Gift of Love, on Oct. 18. The album features a selection of festive favorites including “The Christmas Song,” “O Holy Night,” “Winter Wonderland" and “Little Drummer Boy,” as well as original songs like “Almost Christmas,” featuring her boyfriendCommon.

Common and Jennifer Hudson in October 2024.Melanie Fidler/NBAE via Getty

Melanie Fidler/NBAE via Getty

Hudson considers each song on the album to be a gift to her listeners.

“I look at it as a Christmas tree full of different songs,” she says ofThe Gift of Love. “And whatever song you love on there is your Christmas gift from me to you. So I hope you guys pick it up and choose your song. I can’t wait to figure out which gift you got.”

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Jennifer Hudson in October 2024.Arturo Holmes/Getty

Arturo Holmes/Getty

As for her own favorite holiday song, the self-proclaimed Princess of Christmas says her pick always changes.

“I love each and every one of them. I feel like they all represent a piece of me. So, ‘O Holy Night’ is my favorite holiday song,” she says, before adding that “Hallelujah” is the “reason why I made the entire holiday album.”

Last December,Hudson and Grande, 31, joined Carey onstageto perform the remix live for the first at the “All I Want for Christmas” singer’s Merry Christmas One and All! Tour stop at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

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During an episode ofThe Jennifer Hudson Show, the chat show host said the whole experience “felt like Christmas.” She added, “It turned into a reunion or something. It felt like being with family.”

source: people.com