From reject to Hollywood Dream role

She was the singer who was told she was not good enough to compete with the best - but today Jennifer Hudson won the best supporting actress award for Dreamgirls.

Hudson, who was voted off American Idol in 2004, said in a tearful speech, "Oh my God, I have to just take this moment in. I can't believe it. I didn't think I was going to win. Look what God can do!"

Hudson, 25, from Chicago, was told by American Idol judge Simon Cowell: "You're out of your depth in this competition."

But determined to carry on and despite no acting experience she auditioned for Dreamgirls, a film inspired by the story of The Supremes.

She beat 783 other hopefuls to the role - including Fantasia Barrino, the American Idol winner.