If you’ve been keeping an eye on the Chicago-born powerhouse lately, you’ve probably noticed that Jennifer Hudson is glowing. It’s not just the EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony) glow, though she definitely has that in spades. It’s something else. Something softer. People have been asking who is Jennifer Hudson dating for what feels like forever, mostly because she spent years being incredibly tight-lipped about her private life after her high-profile split from David Otunga in 2017.
But things changed.
The rumors started as whispers on a movie set and turned into a full-blown public romance with none other than the legendary rapper and actor, Common. Honestly, watching these two interact is like seeing a masterclass in "healthy adult relationship goals."
The big reveal: Jennifer Hudson and Common
The timeline of this relationship is actually pretty sweet. It didn't just happen overnight. They actually go way back, having worked together on the film Selma in 2014, but the sparks didn't really start flying—at least publicly—until they filmed the thriller Breathe together in 2022.
For a long time, they played it cool. They’d get spotted at a fancy dinner at Nobu in Malibu or sitting courtside at a Lakers game, and every time a reporter asked, Hudson would give that famous megawatt smile and basically say they were "just friends" or "working together."
Then came January 2024.
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Common appeared on The Jennifer Hudson Show, and the energy was... palpable. Hudson, acting as the ultimate professional host, asked him point-blank if he was dating anyone. Common didn’t say her name—not at first—but he described a woman who was "smart," "loves God," "talented," and just happened to be an EGOT winner with her own talk show.
The audience lost it. He basically described her to her face.
Why this pairing actually makes sense
Sometimes celebrity couples feel like they were put together by a PR firm in a dark room. This isn't that. Hudson and Common share deep roots in Chicago, and they both talk about that connection a lot.
In late 2025, Hudson was still gushing about him, calling him a "light" in her life. It’s interesting to see how they’ve integrated their lives. They aren’t just dating; they’re collaborating. Common featured her on his track "A GOD (There Is)" from his album The Auditorium Vol. 1, and he’s been a constant fixture at her events, even gifting her 100 roses before her holiday tour performance in Brooklyn.
There’s a maturity here that’s refreshing.
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Common has been open about doing the "work" on himself. In interviews, he’s mentioned that he finally feels like he’s the "marrying type" after years of being a perpetual bachelor.
A quick look at their history
- 2014: Met on the set of Selma.
- 2022: Filmed Breathe together; dating rumors begin.
- January 2024: The "soft launch" on Hudson’s talk show where they basically confirmed it.
- May 2025: Spotted at the NBA Eastern Conference Finals looking very much like a family unit.
- Early 2026: Still going strong, with Hudson recently mentioning that phone calls with him are her "happy place."
The "M" word: Are they getting married?
Naturally, as soon as two famous people look happy, everyone starts looking for a ring. As of early 2026, there hasn't been an official engagement announcement.
However, the conversation has definitely shifted.
Common has hinted at it multiple times, saying he’s never been more ready for that level of commitment. Hudson, who was engaged to David Otunga for nearly a decade without ever walking down the aisle, seems to be taking her time. And honestly? Good for her.
She’s busy running a media empire and raising her son, David Daniel Otunga Jr., who is now a teenager. Adding a wedding to that mix is a lot, but the way she talks about Common suggests he’s definitely not just a passing phase.
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What you should know about Jennifer’s past
To understand why people are so invested in who is Jennifer Hudson dating, you have to remember where she’s been.
Her relationship with James Payton lasted from 1999 to 2007. Then came the Otunga era, which was marked by incredible highs—like her winning an Oscar—and unimaginable lows, including the tragic loss of her mother, brother, and nephew in 2008.
The split from Otunga in 2017 was messy. There were legal battles and protective orders. It was a dark time that played out very publicly. Seeing her now, paired with someone like Common who seems to bring a sense of peace and mutual respect to the table, feels like a massive win for her fans.
What’s next for the couple?
If you’re looking for drama, you probably won't find it here. These two seem content to move at their own pace. You’ll likely see them courtside at more basketball games—they really love their hoops—and potentially collaborating on more music.
Common has been a constant support for her talk show, and she has been a muse for his recent musical output. It’s a partnership in every sense of the word.
Next steps to stay updated:
Keep an eye on the guest list for The Jennifer Hudson Show. While they’ve already had their "big reveal," Common tends to show up for special milestones. Also, watch the sidelines of the next big NBA games; if the Bulls or the Knicks are playing, there’s a high probability these two are nearby, probably laughing and looking like the happiest people in the room.