Jennifer Hudson cried tears of joy on the Kodak Theatre stage in Los Angeles as she took home an Oscar for supporting actress in the hit movie DreamGirls.

“I can not believe this, look what God can do,” said Jennifer, with tears. “I didn’t think I was gonna win, but thank you for supporting me.”

Jennifer, 25, who movie critics predicted to be a shoo-in for the Best Supporting Actress category of the 79th Oscar Awards for her role as Effie Melody White in the blockbuster film appeared stunned when her name was called.

She thanked her grandmother, mother, boyfriend, family, friends, DreamGirls all-star cast and director Bill Condon and last but not Jennifer Holiday.

Jennifer credited her grandmother for her sultry voice and called her granny her “biggest inspiration.” Jennifer said her grandmother --- “She was a singer. She had the passion for it, but she never had the chance."

“Oooh my God,” she said during her speech. “I can’t believe this. I thank you all for helping me keep the faith even when I didn’t believe.”

The other nominees for Supporting Actress were Adriana Barraza for Babel, Abigail Breslin for Little Miss Sunshine, Cate Blanchett for Notes on a Scandal, and Rinko Kikuchi for Babel.

Jennifer Hudson entered the spotlight on "American Idol." She made it to the finals despite harsh criticism from Simon Cowell who said Jennifer Hudson did not belong in the competition.

Eventually, Jennifer Hudson was knocked out of the “American Idol” contest by votes from viewers of the wildly popular show. Fantasia Barrino won the competition, but in an ironic twist Jennifer beat out Fantasia for the role of Effie in DreamGirls.

Beyonce, who sat in the front row of the Oscars with her dad, wept as her co-star accepted her award. Later in the Oscars, Jennifer and the other DreamGirls performed a melody of songs, but Jennifer did not belt out her famous “And I Am Telling You.”

Jennifer, the former reality TV contestant, has appeared onstage in the Actors' Fund concert of The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. She has also picked up a multitude of critical awards for her turn as Effie. Jennifer will record her debut solo album with legendary producer Clive Davis next month.

DreamGirls features music by Henry Krieger, lyrics by Tom Eyen and direction and adaptation by Bill Condon. The movie is based on his screenplay on Eyen's book for the 1981 Broadway musical). The DreamWorks movie also features Eddie Murphy, who was robbed in the Best Supporting Actor category, Anika Noni Rose and Jamie Foxx.

*Jennifer Hudson’s story appears on Essence.com. The story was written by JBG Member and best selling author Denene Millner. Click here to read her story