Singer and actress Jennifer Hudson is flattered fans are so upset she didn't land a Tony Award nomination for The Color Purple, but she didn't expect one.
The 34-year-old Oscar winner won rave reviews for her portrayal of Shug in her Broadway debut, but she was overlooked when the nominations were announced on Tuesday (03May16) - and fans of the show were far from happy.
"Ultimate snub of @IAMJHUD for the #TonyAwards," one devotee tweeted, soon after the nominations were announced. "Her performance was great for it being her first time in Broadway.”
Jennifer was quick to reply on social media, adding, "my presence was used for my celebrity, not my talent. I’m not surprised. thank u anyway."
The singer clearly had no ill feeling towards the voters as she congratulated co-stars Cynthia Erivo and Orange is the New Black actress Danielle Brooks for their nods in the leading actress and featured actress categories, respectively.
“Very proud and overwhelmed to say congrats to @cynthiaerivo @daniebb3 @color purple entire cast on tony nod!" she wrote on Instagram "One hell of a cast that’s for sure! Proud of u all!"
The Color Purple picked up four Tony nominations in total, while Hamilton, the smash hit hip-hop musical about America's founding fathers, picked up a record 16 nods. The Tony Awards 2016 ceremony will take place on 12 June (16).
Meanwhile, ahead of her turn in the Broadway revival, Jennifer admitted to being nervous, despite years performing for big crowds at sporting events, presidential gatherings, and big awards shows.
“It's live. There's no retakes," she told Entertainment Tonight. "It is what it is so you have to be on point and in the moment - that's challenging. But it’s exciting at the same time because I've learned no live show is ever the same. So you have to be on your toes - that's for sure."
