Black Voices: Money and Employment News from Across the Nation
Key takeaways
Rumored in 2022, Jennifer Hudson and Common remain together years later, saying they are equally yoked.
Chicago roots unite them; Jennifer Hudson and Common describe similar souls and spirits as a core bond.
Jennifer Hudson was engaged to David Otunga from 2008 to 2017; she values privacy yet openly respects Common.
Jennifer Hudson and Common attend concerts, marches, award shows and basketball games; photos document them from 2014 through 2025.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – AUGUST 25: Jennifer Hudson and Common look on after the game between the Chicago Sky and the Las Vegas Aces at Wintrust Arena on August 25, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
“That relationship is one of the greatest blessings and most important things in my life,” Common told podcast host Samantha Chatman in 2025 about what he’s built with fellow Oscar winner and partner, Jennifer Hudson. ”The friendship, the partnership, the life partnership, just the connection, it’s one of those things where you don’t know truly what true partnership and relationship is until you get there.”
Common has been in his fair share of relationships, including quite a few high-profile romances with the likes of Erykah Badu and Tiffany Haddish. But the actor, musician and author seems most at home with Hudson.
The pair were first rumored to be an item back in 2022, and years later, they’re still going strong. The reason? He says they’re equally yoked.
“When you get there, you recognize what it is. And I hold her up high, and God willing, I keep praying for that–we just continue to be at our best with each other,” he said. “I’ve traveled all over the world and I’ve been in relationships and met with, you know, they’ve been good relationships. I’m not taking away from anybody I’ve dated before. But, this Chicago woman–[there’s] something there like that we … we can relate to certain things.”
The feeling is mutual, even if the beautiful talk show host likes to be more private about their partnership. Still, Hudson, who was previously engaged to David Otunga from 2008 to 2017, knows a good man when she sees one.
“Our Chicago roots is a huge part of it,” Hudson told E! News in 2025. “We’re just similar souls and spirits. He’s such a beautiful person, and I just respect him for just who he is, how he is.”
They have a special bond, and they look good together, right? If you’d like to see the proof, check out photos of the Chi-town lovers over the years. From their days as friends to their years as romantic partners.
HOLLYWOOD, CA- SEPTEMBER 05: Recording artist Common (L) and actress/singer Jennifer Hudson attend the 4th Biennial Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C), A Program of The Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF), at Dolby Theatre on September 5, 2014 in Hollywood, California.
(Photo by Jeffrey Mayer/WireImage)
LOS ANGELES, CA – FEBRUARY 07: Recording artists/actors Jennifer Hudson (L) and Common attend the Pre-GRAMMY Gala and Salute to Industry Icons honoring Martin Bandier at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on February 7, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Lester Cohen/WireImage)
SANTA MONICA, CA – SEPTEMBER 08: Jennifer Hudson and Common pose during the XQ Super School Live, presented by EIF, at Barker Hangar on September 8, 2017 in Santa California. (Photo by Christopher Polk/Getty Images for EIF)
WASHINGTON, DC – MARCH 24: Jennifer Hudson and Common attend March For Our Lives on March 24, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Paul Morigi/Getty Images for March For Our Lives)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – DECEMBER 30: American rapper and actor Lonnie Rashid Lynn, known by his stage name Common and American singer Jennifer Hudson, also known by her nickname J.Hud, pose for a photo during the game between the Chicago Bulls and the Philadelphia 76ers at the United Center on December 30, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)
BURBANK, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 30: Common appears with Jennifer Hudson on “The Jennifer Hudson Show” airing on October 3, 2024 in Burbank, California. (Photo by Chris Haston/WBTV via Getty Images). Check your local listings for times
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 10: Singer and actress Jennifer Hudson sits with rapper and actor Common during the first half of a game between the LA Clippers and the Toronto Raptors at Crypto.com Arena on January 10, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Los Angeles, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 17: Common and Jennifer Hudson attend a basketball game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Dallas Mavericks at Crypto.com Arena on January 17, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 14: Common and Jennifer Hudson are seen in attendance during Game Five of the Eastern Conference Second Round Playoffs between the Indiana Pacers and the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on May 14, 2024 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OHIO – OCTOBER 19: (L-R) Common and Jennifer Hudson attend the 2024 Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony streaming on Disney+ at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on October 19, 2024 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MARCH 04: Jennifer Hudson and Common are seen at Madison Square Garden on March 04, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by The Hapa Blonde/GC Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – AUGUST 25: Jennifer Hudson and Common look on after the game between the Chicago Sky and the Las Vegas Aces at Wintrust Arena on August 25, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
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