Where is the "Spotlight" for Jennifer Hudson?

After wowing audiences in Dreamgirls with her Oscar-winning performance as troubled singer Effie White, anticipation has been growing for the release of Jennifer Hudson's debut album -- the Dreamgirls soundtrack notwithstanding. Many have wondered if the big-voiced diva will be able to translate her surprising film success into a recording career. After all, Hudson rose to fame singing on American Idol, wowing audiences with her stunning version of Elton John's Circle of Life.

However, while Hudson's first album has long been in the making, its eventual release last week was accompanied by little fanfare. Most people I know had no idea she had an album coming out, or that it would be released on September 29th. Hudson herself has made few television appearances, and there has been little buzz surrounding the release of her debut. Her first single, "Spotlight", has been lingering in the lower part of the Top 40 on Billboard's Hot 100 Singles Chart, not a good sign for the long-term success of Hudson's album. "Spotlight" is a decent enough single, but it's nothing special, and hardly allows Hudson to use her impressive pipes.

The lack of fanfare for Hudson's album is surprising since Clive Davis is one of the album's executive producers. Where is that magic touch that he brought to all those Whitney Houston albums he oversaw? Does Davis not feel the same way about Hudson as he does about Houston?

The album has received mixed reviews, and the lukewarm response to "Spotlight" indicates that the buzz around Hudson herself may be faltering. After her spectacular debut in Dreamgirls, response to Hudson's performance in the Sex and the City movie was not as positive, although several critics did compliment her. But reading online reviews on IMDB or other movie sites, many bloggers and posters criticized Hudson's performance.

So, with the lack of interest in Hudson's first album and mixed response to her second film, does this mean Hudson is a one-trick pony? I'd like to think not. She's still young, and I must admit I enjoyed her in the Sex and the City movie, and look forward to buying her album, which I have not heard all the way through. How can anyone not be impressed by that voice? Time will tell if Hudson's career will find success beyond Dreamgirls, but Hudson is very talented, and there is more to her than Effie White.