Jennifer Hudson has come a looooog way since those days when she finished in SEVENTH place on American Idol.

The Oscar and Grammy Award winning songstress was recently honored with the 2,512th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

The multi-talented performer was filled with tears of joy as she witnessed the unveiling of her star in front of the W Hollywood Hotel on Wednesday (November 13, 2013), with her family by her side.

“I knew I would get emotional. I’m sure my mama is in heaven saying, ‘Jenny stop crying.’ But now is the time to cry mama,” Hudson said.

“I’m so honored to be here with so many that I love, and I feel as though we’re all family.”

Jennifer was joined at the ceremony by her fiance’ David Otunga, sister Julia, son David Jr., Raphael Saadiq, Clive Davis, Jacob Latimore and more.

Photos below…

Jennifer poses with her sister Julia (left), fiance David Otunga (right) and son David Jr.

Clive Davis and Raphael Saadiq strike a pose with J-Hud.

J-Hud and Dee Pimpin Jacob Latimore…

Lil DJ loves his mom’s star 🙂

Jennifer rocketed to fame after her stint on “American Idol” back in 2004, and while she only finished in seventh place, Hudson is clearly the most successful of all AI alumni.

Later this month, Hudson returns to the big screen in the film “Black Nativity,” her first musical appearance since her Oscar-winning performance in her 2006 film debut in “Dreamgirls”. Her other film credits include “Sex and the City: The Movie,” “The Secret Life of Bees,” “The Inevitable Defeat of Mister and Pete” and “Winnie Mandela.”

Congratulations on your Hollywood Star Jennifer!

Are you surprised that the former American Idol contestant got a star?

CLICK HERE for more photos from this event.