Oscar-winning actress Jennifer Hudson has had a whirlwind of a year. Starting a new family, new movies, promoting a new album and a total body transformation, we have watched Jen come into her own as a woman and a mother. Celebrate her 30 years inside the gallery.

Kicking off her whirlwind year with stops at Oprah's couch and 20/20, Jennifer Hudson triumphantly dealt with the pain of losing her family while sharing the new life she was creating for herself.

With her two Davids (her fiance' and her son) she embarked on a year of cover shoots, movies, and high profile Weight Watchers commercials celebrating her body transformation.

And she even announced plans to detail how you can start your life over with a $1 million book deal.  Not too bad for a girl many folks at "American Idol" didn't view as a superstar.

Celebrate the 30th birthday of the new JHud in the photo gallery.