Jennifer Hudson Reacts as Son Blanks on Iconic R&B Lady Group
Jennifer Hudson’s son, David Daniel Otunga Jr., discovered himself within the highlight for an surprising cause throughout a current episode of Movie star Household Feud, which aired yesterday (July 10, 2025). The 15-year-old struggled to call an R&B lady group when confronted with the sport present’s fast-paced problem, sparking a mixture of amusement and shock amongst viewers. The EGOT winner and speak present host, identified for her powerhouse vocals and resilient spirit, teamed up together with her son and relations to compete towards Taraji P. Henson’s crew, taking part in for The Jennifer Hudson Basis. The second, which aired as a part of the season premiere, has since ignited on-line chatter, mixing Hudson’s superstar standing with a relatable parenting twist.
The episode showcased Hudson as workforce captain, introducing David Jr.—nicknamed “DOJ”—alongside nephew Marion, cousin Kelvin, and cousin Razia. The query posed by host Steve Harvey requested for standard R&B lady teams, primarily based on a survey of 100 individuals. Whereas solutions like The Supremes and En Vogue topped the board, David Jr.’s hesitation and eventual clean drew laughs from the viewers and a playful response from Hudson. Posts discovered on X spotlight the viral second, with followers noting the teenager’s battle alongside Hudson’s shocked expression, including a humanizing layer to her larger-than-life persona.
The Household Feud Second
The Movie star Household Feud phase pitted Hudson’s household towards Henson’s, with each groups vying for a $25,000 charity prize. Hudson, radiant in her position as captain, rallied her crew with confidence, however the R&B lady group query threw David Jr. off steadiness. Because the clock ticked, he fumbled, unable to recall a gaggle, resulting in a comedic alternate with Harvey. Hudson’s response—wide-eyed and mouthing disbelief—turned an prompt spotlight, resonating with viewers who’ve watched the present for its unpredictable superstar moments.
The survey outcomes revealed a mixture of anticipated and shocking solutions, with The Supremes main at primary, adopted by En Vogue, Future’s Baby, TLC, and an surprising inclusion of Salt-N-Pepa. The point out of Spice Ladies as an R&B group baffled Hudson and Henson alike, prompting laughter and a quip from Harvey in regards to the survey’s quirks. David Jr.’s battle stood out, particularly given his mom’s deep roots in R&B music, from her Grammy-winning debut album to hits like “Highlight.” Followers took to social media, with some joking that the teenager’s musical tastes lean extra towards hip-hop or pop, whereas others defended him, noting the strain of stay TV at 15.
Hudson’s Legacy and David Jr.’s Background
Jennifer Hudson’s journey to stardom started on American Idol in 2004, the place she completed seventh however launched a profession that earned her an Oscar for Dreamgirls, a Grammy for her self-titled album, and eventual EGOT standing in 2022. Her R&B credentials are impeccable, with collaborations alongside Ne-Yo, Timbaland, and R. Kelly shaping her sound. This musical heritage made David Jr.’s stumble all of the extra putting, although it additionally humanized the household dynamic followers not often see.
David Daniel Otunga Jr., born August 10, 2009, is Hudson’s solely baby with ex-fiancé David Otunga, a former WWE wrestler and Harvard Legislation graduate. Otunga, Sr. rose to fame on Tiffany Pollard’s “I Love New York 2,” nicknamed “Punk.” After that, he obtained concerned with Jennifer Hudson, and had David, Jr.
Raised largely out of the general public eye, David Jr. has made uncommon appearances, from pink carpet occasions just like the 2015 Children’ Alternative Awards to dancing alongside his mother in Instagram clips showcasing his Michael Jackson-inspired strikes. Hudson has typically credited him with saving her life after the 2008 murders of her mom, brother, and nephew, a tragedy that examined her resilience. His Household Feud second, whereas lighthearted, contrasts with this heavy backstory, providing a glimpse of normalcy.
The Response That Broke The Web
The web erupted following the episode’s airing. Posts discovered on X captured the sentiment, with customers laughing at David Jr.’s clean stare and Hudson’s dramatic response, whereas others praised the household’s chemistry. Some speculated in regards to the survey’s oddities—Spice Ladies as R&B?—whereas others empathized, noting {that a} 15-year-old won’t join with traditional R&B teams. The second trended alongside discussions of Hudson’s basis, which helps arts schooling and neighborhood packages, including a charitable angle to the excitement.
Hudson’s response in the course of the present was pure leisure, mixing mock frustration with maternal pleasure. She later hugged David Jr., turning the mishap right into a educating second, a scene that endeared her additional to followers. The episode’s replay worth soared, with clips circulating extensively, boosting Movie star Household Feud’s rankings and Hudson’s visibility. This incident mirrors previous superstar gaffes on the present, like T.I.’s son struggling to spell, but it stands out as a consequence of Hudson’s musical legacy.
Cultural Context and R&B Lady Teams
The query’s give attention to R&B lady teams faucets right into a wealthy cultural vein. The Supremes, led by Diana Ross, outlined Motown within the Sixties, whereas En Vogue introduced ‘90s concord with hits like “My Lovin’ (You’re By no means Gonna Get It).” Future’s Baby, that includes Beyoncé, and TLC, with T-Boz and Chilli, dominated the late ‘90s and early 2000s, shaping trendy R&B. Salt-N-Pepa, although primarily a rap duo, crossed genres, and Spice Ladies’ inclusion as R&B sparked debate, given their pop roots with occasional R&B influences like “Holler.”
David Jr.’s battle would possibly replicate a generational shift, the place streaming algorithms prioritize newer genres over traditional R&B. Hudson, nevertheless, grew up immersed within the style, singing in her Chicago church choir earlier than breaking into the trade. This distinction highlights a parenting problem—passing down musical heritage—which she addressed with humor on the present. The second additionally sparked discussions about variety in music schooling, with some suggesting Hudson would possibly host a household jam session to high school David Jr. on the classics.
Household Dynamics and Hudson’s Resilience
Hudson’s participation in Household Feud with David Jr. and kin underscores her dedication to household, a theme she’s emphasised because the 2008 tragedy. The murders, dedicated by her sister Julia’s estranged husband William Balfour, left Hudson to rebuild together with her son as her anchor. She informed Glamour in 2015, “I inform David on a regular basis, ‘You saved my life,’” a sentiment echoed in her basis’s mission. Bringing David Jr. onto the present, regardless of his R&B flub, displays this bond, mixing enjoyable with objective.
The workforce’s efficiency—going through off towards Henson’s household, who additionally stumbled—highlighted a aggressive but supportive vibe. Hudson’s cousins and nephew added vitality, however David Jr.’s second stole the highlight. His progress from a toddler dancing to MJ to a teen on nationwide TV mirrors Hudson’s evolution from Idol contestant to speak present host, a journey marked by triumphs and trials. This episode provides a lighthearted chapter to that narrative.