Jennifer Hudson to headline tonight's White House state dinner

Jennifer Hudson performs at Madison Square Garden last spring.

Credit: AP Photo/Evan Agostini

Bill Clinton was a massive fan of Barbara Streisand and it appears Barack Obama has found his own muse in Chicago native Jennifer Hudson.

The Oscar and Grammy-winning artist will perform at the White House state dinner tonight according to the Washington Post.  The paper confirmed Hudson's participation through a rep at the singer's label, Arista Records.

This won't be Hudson's first political appearance, however.  She sang the national anthem at the 2008 Democratic National Convention, but was nable to accept an invitation to perform at Obama's inauguration.  At the time, she was recovering from the brutal murders of her mother, brother and nephew only a few months earlier.  She eventually returned to the national stage by singing the Star-Spangled Banner at the Superbowl and having the honor of performing at the Michael Jackson memorial concert.  The 28-year-old also embarked on her first national tour with soul singer Robin Thicke.

It's unclear whether Hudson's performance will be televised, but fans will be able to catch her next month when her first TV special, "Jennifer Hudson: I'll Be Home for Christmas," debuts on ABC.

Previous White House performers during Obama's term have included Stevie Wonder, Marc Anthony and the Foo Fighters.