Singer and actress Jennifer Hudson and rapper/actor Common have seemingly confirmed that they are in a romantic relationship during a flirty exchange on The Jennifer Hudson Show earlier this week. The longtime friends have sparked dating rumors in recent weeks after being spotted together on several occasions, but this is the first time they have publicly addressed their changing relationship status.
Background on Hudson and Common’s Friendship Turned Romance
Hudson, 42, and Common, 51 have been friends for over 15 years after meeting in their native Chicago. They presented together at the 2015 Academy Awards, but rumors of a romance only started this month when they were photographed courtside at an LA Lakers game looking cozy.
A few days later, Common appeared on The Jennifer Hudson Show ostensibly to promote his new movie, but conversation took a flirty turn that seemed to confirm the dating rumors.
When Hudson asked Common what makes him smile these days, he responded “You” which elicited cheers from the audience. Hudson acted coy but pleased and said “You know me, I’m always smiling!”
Further hints came when Common remarked that his recent date at an LA Lakers game was “a slam dunk, nothing but net,” prompting laughter from Hudson.
Timeline of Hudson and Common’s Budding Romance
- January 2023 – Hudson and Common are spotted attending several events together in Los Angeles over the holidays, including a New Year’s Eve party at hotspot Delilah.
- January 18, 2024 – The longtime friends make a public appearance courtside at the LA Lakers vs Dallas Mavericks game. They are photographed laughing together and Common has his arm around Hudson in several shots.
- January 21, 2024 – Common appears on Hudson’s daily talk show, where coy references are made alluding to a romantic relationship between the two. Their flirty banter seems to confirm rumors that they are dating.
- January 22, 2024 – Multiple sources report that Hudson and Common are officially a couple.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| January 2023 | Spotted together at several LA events |
| January 18, 2024 | Courtside at LA Lakers game acting cozy |
| January 21, 2024 | Flirty exchange on The Jennifer Hudson Show |
| January 22, 2024 | Relationship confirmed by sources |
How Friends Turned to Romance
Hudson and Common have run in similar circles and been friends for years, but only recently decided to explore a romantic relationship.
They reconnected in Chicago over the holidays, when Common attended a taping of Hudson’s talk show. According to E!, sparks started flying immediately and they’ve been inseparable since.
On January 18th, they went very public by sitting courtside at the Lakers game. Eyewitnesses report they were cuddling, laughing, and “looked like a new couple in love.”
Three days later, Common was a guest on Hudson’s talk show. Their lighthearted banter seemed to confirm that they are dating exclusively. Sources close to Hudson say she is “blissfully happy” with Common.
What Friends and Colleagues Are Saying
Both Hudson and Common have high-profile circles of friends and colleagues in the entertainment industry. Many are now speaking out in support of the new relationship.
- Longtime Hudson friend Kelly Rowland said she’s known there were feelings between the two for awhile. “You can’t fake that kind of chemistry!”
- Actress Taraji P. Henson, who co-starred with Common in the film Just Wright, remarked “I’ve always said they would make the cutest couple!”
- Fellow Chicagoan and Common collaborator Chance the Rapper tweeted “My guy Common winning out here!”
- LA Lakers star LeBron James, who met the couple courtside, said he gave Common his blessing. “Him and Jen look really happy. I’m excited for them.”
The overall sentiment is happiness for Hudson and Common getting together after years of friendship.
What the Future May Hold
While Hudson and Common are in the first stages of a relationship, sources indicate things are progressing quickly.
They travel in the same circles and have known each other for years, so adjusting to couplehood has been smooth. After keeping things under wraps initially, they now feel comfortable making public appearances and engaging in some light PDA.
Friends of the couple are hopeful this will last long term. There is even some early Oscar buzz for Hudson’s upcoming Aretha Franklin biopic, which Common is sure to support his girlfriend through.
If all continues going well, 2024 may see Hudson and Common solidify their bond by moving in together or even getting engaged by year’s end. For now they are enjoying getting to know each other on a deeper romantic level outside the bounds of friendship.
Conclusion
After over 15 years of friendship, Jennifer Hudson and Common’s relationship has gracefully evolved to a romantic one over the past months. They complement each other beautifully and seamlessly blend their families and professional circles.
Both parties are ecstatic with the new dynamic, as evidenced by their public displays of affection at the LA Lakers game and thinly veiled references on The Jennifer Hudson Show.
Where some celebrity relationships combust quickly, Hudson and Common’s has the depth and maturity of two people who connect on multiple levels. Don’t be surprised if wedding bells are in their future!
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