Jennifer Hudson is sharing the magic behind her latest musical collaboration with boyfriend Common. The Grammy-winning singer and actress appeared on Late Night with Seth Meyers on November 27 to promote her new holiday album, The Gift of Love, which features a special track she created with her longtime love.
The song, titled “Almost Christmas,” is a mix of holiday cheer and poetic storytelling—an idea Hudson had after reflecting on the lack of genuine storytelling in most holiday music. “I was like, ‘Where’s the poetry and the storytelling in the holiday albums?'” Hudson explained. “Who better to do it than him?” she continued, referring to Common’s lyrical genius. “To do, like, spoken-word poetry for the holidays? That’s where the song came from.”
However, like any creative partnership, working together has its challenges. Hudson confessed that while Common is undeniably a musical genius, he can be “a bit bossy” when it comes to his artistic vision. “Common and Rashid are two different people musically,” she said, referencing Common’s birth name, Rashid. “But he’s a musical genius, so it’s an honor to be able to work from him, work for him, work with him, and on his album and my album.”
In addition to “Almost Christmas,” the couple also collaborated on the song “A GOD (There Is)” from Common’s The Auditorium Vol. 1., which was released earlier this year. Common spoke to PEOPLE about his experience working with Hudson, saying, “When I played it to musician friends, they were like, ‘Who is that singing?’ I’m like, ‘That’s Jennifer!’” He went on to praise her versatility, adding, “It doesn’t sound like things you’ve heard from her before. I love that we were able to utilize her gifts in a new space. She brought it, man.”
Hudson and Common’s professional partnership isn’t the only thing that’s blossomed over the years. The two first sparked romance rumors in 2022 after announcing their film Breathe. They later confirmed their relationship in January 2024, when Common made a guest appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show.
“I’m in a relationship … with one of the most beautiful people I ever met in life,” Common said on the talk show, speaking about Hudson. “She’s smart, she loves God, she has something real down-to-earth about her, she’s talented.” He added, “This relationship is a happy place for me. Seeing her happy actually makes me really happy. So, I’m very grateful. I thank God each and every day, and I’m just letting God guide this relationship.”
As their relationship continues to grow, it’s clear that their musical bond only adds to their joy, creating beautiful harmonies both on and off the stage.
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