Jennifer Hudson’s story is an inspiration for countless aspiring pop stars: The R&B diva began her career on a Disney cruise ship before competing in the third season of American Idol. After being eliminated early in the show, many assumed Hudson would fall victim to the reality show death knell.

Instead, she has risen to the top of the A list, having won an Academy Award in 2007 for her performance as Effie White in the musical Dreamgirls before even releasing her first album.

A whirlwind of personal tragedy in late 2008 nearly obscured her triumphs, but Hudson, forever the underdog, recently reemerged to promote her debut (led by the Ne-Yo penned hit “Spotlight”), perform at the Super Bowl and plan a spring tour with singer Robin Thicke.

Often called the heiress to Aretha Franklin’s throne, Hudson continues to prove herself worthy of such comparisons.

Jennifer Hudson performs at the Palms May 1 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $55, $75 and $85.

By Caitlin McGarry