The music coming from a North Hollywood studio might not be familiar – yet – but you've definitely heard that voice. Recently Kate Hudson was fine-tuning her songs, for her new album, "Glorious." It's a role the singer-songwriter was born to play.
Asked how long she's been writing songs, Hudson replied, "Really poorly, my whole life! I guess I wasn't ready for it until now."
And why is she "ready for it" now? "Because I just don't care anymore about what people think, probably. It was never right, whether it was my own stuff or feeling afraid to mess up my movie career – just never felt right. Until now. I'm just doing it."
She made her stage debut this year at a few small-ish events, but she didn't sound like a novice – maybe because she's always been on stage (or very close to it).
Her first really big film role was as "band aide" Penny Lane in Cameron Crowe's "Almost Famous," which earned her an Oscar nomination:
Smith asked, "How fitting is it that your breakout role was in this movie that's essentially a love letter to rock 'n' roll?"
"It kind of makes sense," said Hudson. "Probably a reason why Cameron hired me."
She could act, but she also had the pipes: As the daughter of Bill Hudson, of the '70s band The Hudson Brothers, you might say that music is in her blood. "Those Hudson Brothers are crazy-talented musicians and wonderful songwriters. My dad's a great songwriter."
Bill Hudson and wife Goldie Hawn split when Kate was a toddler, so she grew up with her mom's longtime partner, Kurt Russell, and has been estranged from her father for some time.
Asked what her relationship is now with her dad, Kate replied, "I don't really have one. But it's like, you know, it's warming up. There's warming up [with] this all happening. But it'll be whatever it will be, you know? I have no expectation of that with my father. It's like, I just want him to be happy."
And what makes her happy is singing – on stage, on camera, or both. "Any musical that you've seen in the last 15 years, I have auditioned for it!" she laughed.
Reflecting on one of her favorite auditions, Jennifer Hudson reminisced about her experience auditioning for 'Moulin Rouge' with Baz Luhrmann. She recalled the fun they had, even though the role was originally written for a young girl. Nicole Kidman ended up taking the role, but Hudson fondly remembers the audition process, saying, "Oh well, my chances are gone!"
Despite the disappointment of not landing certain roles, Hudson acknowledges that auditions are just part of the job in the entertainment industry, saying, "I mean, all of them, a ton. That's what we do: we audition!"
Life continued between auditions, with relationships, children, and personal experiences inspiring Hudson's music. One song that holds a special place in her heart is "Live Forever," a heartfelt tribute to her son Ryder, whom she shares with her ex-husband, Chris Robinson of the Black Crowes.
You and I will be forever
You will walk off on your own
Down the streets that you'll call home
And I'll watch in wistful wonder
As you'll meet your destiny
I'm there, why don't you be free
Take it over, take your time
Oh, I was just a little girl
Gone deep into the world
Thought I could take it on
And you showed up right by my side
My witness and my light
Now, we've grown up in stride
Kate Hudson Opens Up About New Album and Tour
In a recent interview, Kate Hudson shared that her upcoming album is a reflection of the strongest love she has ever experienced. The inspiration behind the songs came from a mix of emotions, including the bittersweet feeling of her son leaving for college.
Despite her successful acting career, Hudson is eager to embark on a tour following the album's release next month. She expressed her excitement about hitting the road and described the feeling as a natural progression in her life.
Reflecting on past doubts about her music career, Hudson recalled a moment in her early thirties when someone told her she was too old to pursue music. However, she remained determined to follow her passion for writing and performing music, proving that age is just a number.
"And then I was like, 'Eh, **** you,'" she laughed. "No, no one tells me what to do!"
Listen to Kate Hudson as she performs the single "Gonna Find Out" from her upcoming album, "Glorious," in the video player below:
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This story was produced by John D'Amelio. Edited by Carol Ross.
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