Timeline of Common and Jennifer Hudson’s Relationship

In January 2024, Common and Jennifer Hudson made their romance public.

Jennifer Hudson and Common are a couple in love.

When Jennifer Hudson questioned Common about his relationship status in January 2024, on The Jennifer Hudson Show, he seemed to confirm their romance. The star replied that he is in fact dating someone after laughing. He didn’t mention Hudson’s name, but the hint was understood by all.

The duo, who have known each other for a long time, initially aroused dating rumors in 2022 when they collaborated on the movie Breathe. The two have interacted at a number of occasions throughout the years, such as charity functions and award shows.

Here is a detailed timeline of their relationship, covering everything from their early years of friendship to their developing romance.

Jennifer Hudson and Common attend a Stand Up to Cancer event on September 5, 2014.

In 2014, Common and Hudson made one of their first public appearances together when they went to the Hollywood Stand Up to Cancer event. Wearing Stand Up to Cancer shirts, the pair posed together on the red carpet.

Common and Jennifer Hudson attend the Pre-GRAMMY Gala on February 7, 2015.

The two were seen seated together at the Recording Academy and Clive Davis-hosted Pre-GRAMMY Gala and Salute to Industry Icons in February 2015. Both Common and Hudson were nominated for Grammy Awards that year; Common for best rap/sung collaboration and best rap album, and Hudson for best R&B performance.

In addition, Common and John Legend performed their smash song “Glory” during the ceremony. Selma, which debuted in 2014, featured the song.

Common and Jennifer Hudson share a photo during the XQ Super School Live event on September 8, 2017.

Years later, at the XQ Super School Live presented by EIF, the two got back together. They were observed joyfully posing for pictures at the Santa Ana, California, event.

Common and Jennifer Hudson attend the March for Our Lives on March 24, 2018.

Among the several celebrities present at the March for Our Lives in Washington, DC, were Common and Hudson. The student-run group featured performances by Hudson, Common, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Miley Cyrus, Ariana Grande, and other celebrities during its nationwide protests in favor of gun control laws.

Common and Jennifer Hudson attend the NBA All-Star Game on February 16, 2020.

As part of 2020 NBA All-Star Weekend, Hudson and Common attended the 69th NBA All-Star Game and shared a sweet backstage shot. Chicago, Illinois, their shared hometown, served as the venue for the celebration.

August 2022: Dating rumors about Common and Jennifer Hudson begin.
It was revealed in May 2022 that Common and Hudson would be collaborating on a new movie called Breathe. In the movie, they play husband and wife on an oxygen-starved Earth that has become uninhabitable.

Following the announcement of their casting, Common and Hudson allegedly spotted together in Philadelphia and Chicago, which fuelled dating speculations months later.

Jennifer Hudson discusses widespread relationship rumors in September 2022.

However, Hudson gave clarification on their trips in an interview with Entertainment Tonight a month later.

When asked about the rumors, she responded, “People create their narratives of it and it’s like, OK, you know how you feel.” He performed as my spouse in a movie that we both shot. Between those times, we have to eat.”

February 22, 2023: Jennifer Hudson and Common go out to dinner together

Early in 2023, after being spotted leaving the Nobu restaurant in Malibu, Hudson and Common were once again the focus of dating rumors. The multi-hyphenates were spotted strolling beside one another in an image taken outside the eatery as they headed to their vehicle.

Jennifer Hudson honors Common’s birthday on March 13, 2023.

A month later, Hudson shared a birthday tribute to Common on social media, which sparked uncontrollably intense dating rumors. Hudson said, “Team Jhud pls help me wish one of the brightest lights, a Chicago and hip-hop legend, the one and only @common a very happy birthday on today!” alongside a vintage picture of them during the BBA All-Star Game.

Common uploaded the photo back on Instagram Story with the words “Thank You!” in response to Hudson’s shoutout.

Jennifer Hudson refers to Common as a “beautiful man” in August 2023.

When TMZ questioned Hudson about Common’s relationship status in August 2023, she mentioned him for a short while. When asked about the possible romance, Hudson shrugged and remarked, “Rumors say a lot of things.” “But I will admit, he’s a gorgeous dude. That much is certain.”

The formidable vocalist was also informed by the outlet’s reporter that she and Common are a “cute couple,” to which Hudson merely responded, “Thank you.”

September 9, 2023: Jennifer Hudson and Common see MJ: The Musical together.

The MJ: The Musical Instagram account disclosed in September 2023 that Common and Hudson attended the Chicago production. The account featured photos of the couple with members of the cast, including Roman Wellington Banks.

“What an honor to play for @common, @donaldlawrence, and @iamjhud in Chicago! We had a great time with you all in the theater. The show’s Instagram account posted the photographs, reading “#MJTheMusicalTour 🔥.”

December 30, 2023: Jennifer Hudson and Common watch a Chicago Bulls game.

Common and Hudson saw a game at United Center in Chicago, Illinois, right before the new year began. The two were spotted watching the Chicago Bulls vs. Philadelphia 76ers game from the courtside.

January 10, 2024: Jennifer Hudson and Common watch the LA Clippers play from the sidelines.

At a Toronto Raptors game against the Los Angeles Clippers, the two continued their basketball performances. They were seen laughing together while seated courtside at Crypto.com Arena.

Common and Jennifer Hudson share a photo at the Los Angeles Lakers game on January 17, 2024.

The two saw another basketball game in Los Angeles approximately a week later. They watched the Los Angeles Lakers play the Dallas Mavericks this time.

January 22, 2024: During her program, Common affirms his relationship with Jennifer Hudson.

While making an appearance on Jennifer Hudson’s talk show, The Jennifer Hudson Show, Common seemed to finally confirm their relationship, over two years after they first sparked dating rumors.

The actor chuckled and said that he is in fact dating someone when she questioned him about his relationship status on the show. He didn’t mention Hudson’s name, but the hint was understood by all.

In pictures that the network released, he also gave her a big bunch of flowers before kissing her on the cheek.

Afterwards, in an interview with Hoda & Jenna on Today, Common discussed his visit on The Jennifer Hudson Show (as well as coming public with Hudson).

Regarding the interview, Common remarked, “We had a little fun.” Why not just be loving and truthful with who I am and who we are, I thought to myself. We had a nice time, and it felt well and was enjoyable.

Although the couple “had a good time” on Hudson’s show, he claimed to be a “very private” guy when it came to his personal life and “things that are sacred.”

Jennifer Hudson and Common work together on the song “A GOD (There Is)” on July 12, 2024.

Common’s song “A GOD (There Is)” from his album The Auditorium Vol. 1 has a cameo by Hudson.

The rapper said of working with his lover, “I loved it,” to PEOPLE. “My musician friends asked me, ‘Who is that singing?’ when I played it for them. “That’s Jennifer,” I think to myself. It sounds nothing like anything you’ve heard from her previously. I’m so glad we could use her talents in a different setting. Man, she really brought it.