Hudson in Franklin biopic

JENNIFER HUDSON ( above) is to become the new Aretha Franklin, according to film producer and record label executive Clive Davis.

Back in 2016, Davis was comparing her to Franklin ( above, right), having signed her for Sony’s Epic Records label, and the comparisons are to continue with Hudson now positioned to play the R&B great in an untitled project.

Over the years, Franklin has won 17 Grammy awards, from 1968’s best female R&B vocal performance for Respect, to 2008’s best gospel performance for Never Gonna Break My Faith from 2006’s Robert F. Kennedy biographical movie Bobby.

And where Hudson’s casting as the lead in 2011 biopic Winnie Mandela was absent of consultation with its title character, Franklin chose Hudson herself, according to Davis (and per Variety).

Having broken through with a seventh-place finish on season three of musical talent show American Idol, Hudson made Dreamgirls (her feature film debut in which she won the Oscar for best supporting actress), the Sex and the City film, and The Secret Life of Bees as her first three cinematic appearances.

She has also taken roles in The Inevitable Defeat of Mister & Pete, Spike Lee’s Chi-Raq, and Illumination’s animated feature Sing.

Three albums have been released through Sony subsidiaries since her initial 2006 signing: (2008,) and Relaxnews (2011,) (2014). – AFP-