Jennifer Hudson duets on “I Believe In You & Me” with her larger self — the self that competed on “American Idol,” the self that starred in “Dreamgirls” — in a Weight Watchers commercial that I have to admit is kinda touching. (And that’s not usually something I would say about a Weight Watchers commercial.) The “new” Jennifer is much more polished; yes, she is slimmer but her movements less theatrical, her outfit is more chic and her hair is straightened. In short, she’s conforming to a more mainstream version of beauty — some might even say a white standard of beauty. I’m happy if she’s happy (and, perhaps, healthier, although we know people are created in all shapes and sizes and can be healthier at a larger body weight). I just thought the “old” Jennifer — who made it in Hollywood on her considerable talent despite being larger than the average starlet — was cute, too. [Essence] Keep reading »
