Jennifer Hudson talks wedding plans and weight loss in the April issue of Essence magazine, which hits newsstands this weekend.

"My wish is to be at least half as good as my mother was, as patient and as loving as she was, and to just give that to my son..," the 29-year-old mother of one tells Essence. In 2008, Hudson's life was completely shaken by a horrific tragedy, when her mother, older brother, and nephew were murdered. She took a break from the limelight to gather her courage and came back stronger than ever -- new life, new body, new Jennifer Hudson.

Hudson shed 80-pounds following the birth of her son David in August 2009, and she hasn't looked back since. Now, the 'Idol' hopeful-turned-Oscar-winning-actress is the face of Weight Watchers and an inspiration to curvy women everywhere.

'I Remember Me,' J-Hud's powerful new album, hits stores on March 22. Hudson's wedding to David Otunga is currently in the works, and she dishes all of the details in Essence's April issue -- it lands on newsstands March 12.

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