Common and Jennifer Hudson's Relationship Timeline

Common and Jennifer Hudson are in love.

In January 2024, on The Jennifer Hudson Show, Common seemingly confirmed his romance with Hudson when she asked him about his relationship status. The actor laughed before answering that he is in fact dating someone. While he didn't say Hudson's name, everyone was in on the tease.

The couple first sparked dating rumors back in 2022, when they worked togethr on their film Breathe, but have known each other for a long time. Over the years, the two have mingled at various events, including award shows and charities. 

From the early years of their friendship to their blossoming romance, here’s a complete timeline of their relationship. 

September 5, 2014: Common and Jennifer Hudson attend Stand Up to Cancer event

One of Common and Hudson’s first appearances together was back in 2014 as they both attended the Stand Up to Cancer event in Hollywood. The duo posed on the red carpet together in Stand Up to Cancer shirts.  

February 7, 2015: Common and Jennifer Hudson attend the Pre-GRAMMY Gala

In February 2015, the two were spotted sitting together at the Pre-GRAMMY Gala and Salute to Industry Icons presented by Clive Davis and the Recording Academy. That year, they were both up for Grammys; Common was nominated for best rap/sung collaboration and best rap album and Hudson was nominated for best R&B performance. 

During the ceremony, Common also performed his hit song “Glory” with John Legend, which was featured in the 2014 film Selma. 

September 8, 2017: Common and Jennifer Hudson pose together at the XQ Super School Live event 

The two reunited years later at the XQ Super School Live, presented by EIF. They were seen happily posing for photographers at the event held in Santa Ana, California. 

March 24, 2018: Common and Jennifer Hudson attend March for Our Lives

Common and Hudson were among the many celebrities at the March for Our Lives event held in Washington, DC. The student-led organization held nationwide demonstrations in support of gun control legislation, and featured performances from Hudson, Common, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Miley Cyrus, Ariana Grande and more. 

February 16, 2020: Common and Jennifer Hudson attend the NBA All-Star Game 

Hudson and Common snapped a cute photo together backstage as they attended the 69th NBA All-Star Game as part of the 2020 NBA All-Star Weekend. The event was held in their mutual hometown of Chicago, Illinois.

August 2022: Common and Jennifer Hudson spark dating rumors 

In May 2022, it was announced that Common and Hudson would be joining forces on screen for a new film titled Breathe, in which the two play husband and wife on an earth that's become uninhabitable due to a lack of oxygen.

Months after their casting was announced, the couple sparked dating rumors when Common and Hudson were reportedly spotted together in Philadelphia and Chicago. 

September 2022: ​​Jennifer Hudson addresses Common dating rumors 

A month later though, Hudson clarified their outings as she spoke to Entertainment Tonight. 

"People create their narratives of it and it's like, OK, you know how you feel," she said when asked about the rumors. "We shot a film together and he played my husband. We gotta eat in between those moments."

February 22, 2023: Common and Jennifer Hudson grab dinner together 

In early 2023, Hudson and Common were the subject of dating rumors yet again as they were photographed leaving Nobu restaurant in Malibu. In a photo taken outside of the restaurant, the multi-hyphenates could be seen walking alongside each other as they made their way to their car. 

March 13, 2023: Jennifer Hudson celebrates Common’s birthday 

A month later, Hudson sent dating rumors into overdrive as she shared a birthday tribute to Common on social media. Alongside a throwback photo of them from the BBA All-Star Game, Hudson wrote, "Team Jhud pls help me wish one of the brightest lights, a Chicago and hip hop legend, the one and only @common a very happy birthday on today !"

In his Instagram Story, Common showed appreciation for Hudson's shoutout and reposted the picture, adding, "Thank You!"

August 2023: Jennifer Hudson calls Common a ‘beautiful man’ 

In August 2023, Hudson briefly spoke about Common as TMZ asked her about their relationship status. "Rumors say a lot of things," said Hudson with a shrug when asked about the potential romance. "But he’s a beautiful man, I will give you that. That's for certain."

The outlet's reporter also told the powerhouse vocalist that she and Common make a "cute couple," and Hudson simply replied, "Thank you."

September 9, 2023: Common and Jennifer Hudson see MJ: The Musical together 

In September 2023, the Instagram account for MJ: The Musical revealed that Common and Hudson went to see the show in Chicago as they posted pictures of the couple with the cast, including star Roman Wellington Banks.  

“What a thrill to perform for @iamjhud, @common, and @donaldlawrence in Chicago! We loved having you all at the theater. #MJTheMusicalTour 🔥” the show's Instagram account captioned the photos. 

December 30, 2023: Common and Jennifer Hudson attend a Chicago Bulls game 

Just before ringing in the New Year, Common and Hudson caught a game at United Center in Chicago, Illinois. The two were photographed sitting courtside to watch the Chicago Bulls play the Philadelphia 76ers. 

January 10, 2024: Common and Jennifer Hudson sit courtside at LA Clippers game

The two kept the basketball appearances coming at a game between the Toronto Raptors and the LA Clippers. They were photographed sharing a laugh as they sat courtside at Crypto.com Arena. 

January 17, 2024: Common and Jennifer Hudson pose together at Los Angeles Lakers Game game 

About a week later, the two caught yet another basketball game in Los Angeles. This time, they watched the Los Angeles Lakers take on the Dallas Mavericks. 

January 22, 2024: Common confirms his relationship with Jennifer Hudson on her show 

Almost two years after sparking dating rumors, Common seemingly finally confirmed their relationship as he appeared on Hudson’s talk show, The Jennifer Hudson Show. 

When she asked him about his relationship status on the show, the actor laughed before answering that he is in fact dating someone. While he didn't say Hudson's name, everyone was in on the tease.

He also presented her with a large bouquet of flowers before giving her a kiss on the cheek in photos shared by the network. 

Common later talked about his appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show (and going public with Hudson) during an interview on Today with Hoda & Jenna. 

“We had a little fun,” Common said of the interview. “I felt like, why not just be loving and honest with who I am and who we are. And it felt good, it was fun, we had a good time.”

He said that he’s a “very private” person when it comes to his personal life and “things that are sacred,” but the couple “had a good time” on Hudson’s show.

June 7, 2024: Jennifer Hudson says "everything is wonderful" with Common

While talking to PEOPLE at the 2024 Daytime Emmy Awards, Hudson briefly spoke about how their relationship is going.

“Everything is wonderful,” she said. “That's all you need to know.”

July 12, 2024: Common and Jennifer Hudson collaborate on the song "A GOD (There Is)"

Hudson is featured on Common's song “A GOD (There Is)" from his album The Auditorium Vol. 1.

"I loved it," the rapper told PEOPLE about working with his girlfriend. "When I played it to musician friends, they were like, ‘Who is that singing?' I’m like, ‘That’s Jennifer!’ It doesn’t sound like things you’ve heard from her before. I love that we were able to utilize her gifts in a new space. She brought it, man.”