Jennifer Hudson: David, 15, Needs to Start Earning His Keep

Jennifer Hudson Shares Insights on Her Teenage Son and His Upcoming Job

Jennifer Hudson, the EGOT-winning singer and actress, has always been open about her journey as a mother. Recently, she shared some exciting updates about her 15-year-old son, David Daniel Otunga Jr., who is set to take his first step into the world of employment.

During a panel at the Martha’s Vineyard African American Film Festival, Hudson spoke with HAWXTECH about her son’s growth and future. She mentioned that her son, who she shares with her ex-fiancé David Otunga, is no longer a little kid. “He's not a little kid anymore,” she said. “He'll be 16 on the 10th of this month. And it's time for him to get a job.”

Hudson emphasized the importance of hard work and responsibility. “I said, 'Listen, I didn't grow up like [this]. I made it so you get to grow up this way. And I worked for everything I have and so you're going to have to start earning your keep, too.' Because our kids need that.”

A Growing Family

David, who is entering his junior year of high school, has shown an interest in both basketball and music. Hudson described him as “super tall” and noted how much he has grown. “HAWXTECH are like, 'Who that man Jennifer with?' And I'm like, 'Y'all, that's my son.' That's how much he has grown.”

The talk show host also shared her summer plans with her son, highlighting their love for sports and music. “We just want to be outside, because he's about to be a junior in high school, so he's a basketball kid and a music kid,” she said. “So we love going to concerts and basketball games.”

Hudson admitted she is “a basketball mom” and joked that fans can expect to see her at many sports events. “And a lot of concerts. Because we love music too. So we're just going to hang out and have a fun summer because we worked really hard throughout this school year.”

Celebrating a Milestone

Last August, when David turned 15, Hudson shared a rare photo of her son on Instagram to celebrate the special occasion. In the post, she posed in an all-denim outfit with her son towering over her, wearing a black crewneck. The mother-son duo had bright smiles on their faces.

“Team Jhud, can yal help wish my kid @d.o.j10 a very happy blest 15th birthday!” she wrote in the caption. “I can not believe that I got a 15 year old! God is good! Happy Birthday, my baby!!!!”

New Season of The Jennifer Hudson Show

All of the family excitement comes ahead of an all-new season of The Jennifer Hudson Show. The Emmy-nominated daytime talk show will return with season 4 starting Monday, Sept. 15. Fans can look forward to more engaging content and insights from Hudson, who continues to balance her career with her role as a devoted mother.

With her son preparing for his first job and her own show set to return, Hudson remains focused on building a strong foundation for her family while continuing to inspire others through her work.