Usher Reveals He Almost Starred in Dreamgirls with Jennifer Hudson

Singer recalls scheduling conflict that kept him from joining the Oscar-winning musical

Washington [US], February 7: Eight-time Grammy winner Usher recently revealed that he was originally set to star alongside Jennifer Hudson in the 2006 musical drama Dreamgirls, but a scheduling conflict prevented him from taking the role. The R&B superstar made the revelation during his appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show, People reported.

Usher’s Near Miss with Dreamgirls

During the interview, Hudson asked Usher how they first met, to which he recalled seeing her audition tape for the movie.

“You didn’t know that I was supposed to be a part of that movie—the movie you went on to win a major, major award for,” Usher said, referring to Hudson’s Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Effie White.

A visibly surprised Hudson responded, “Wait, you were going to be in Dreamgirls?”

Confirming her shock, Usher replied, “Yes.”

When Hudson asked which role he was supposed to play, Usher explained that tour commitments clashed with filming, forcing him to turn down the opportunity.

“I was in the middle of a tour at the time, and it was a scheduling conflict that caused me to not be able to play the character,” he revealed.

“I was so excited for what was getting ready to happen. I tried my hardest to work around it, but unfortunately, the schedule just didn’t permit,” he added.

A Missed Opportunity, But Still Part of History

Although he couldn’t be in the film, Usher expressed his admiration for Hudson’s performance and the film’s success.

“I would have been a part of the history with you,” he told Hudson. “But I am a part of the history with you because we all celebrate you for such an encouraging talent for our young women out here.”

Hudson then suggested, “Well, since we didn’t get to work together on Dreamgirls, maybe one day we could do a duet or something?”

Usher quickly agreed, hinting at a possible future collaboration.

About Dreamgirls

Based on the 1981 Broadway musical, Dreamgirls starred Jennifer Hudson, Beyoncé, and Anika Noni Rose as Effie White, Deena Jones, and Lorrell Robinson, respectively. The original Broadway cast featured Loretta Devine, Sheryl Lee Ralph, and Jennifer Holliday in the same roles.

The film was a critical and commercial success, earning eight Academy Award nominations at the 79th Oscars. Hudson won for Best Supporting Actress, and the film also took home the award for Best Achievement in Sound Mixing.

Currently, Dreamgirls is available for streaming on Paramount+, according to People.