Season 3 finalist Jennifer Hudson has been tapped to play Nelson Mandelas ex-wife, Winnie, in the upcoming movie Winnie. The movie will portray the ups and downs of Winnies life as a politician, activist, mother, wife, as well as a person who was jailed, convicted of fraud, and abuse.

I was compelled and moved when I read the script, Jennifer told Variety. Winnie Mandela is a complex and extraordinary woman and Im honored to be the actress asked to portray her. This is a powerful part of history that should be told. The movie will being shooting in various locations throughout South Africa starting May 30, 2010. Andre Pieterse, Darrell J. Roodt and Paul L. Johnson created the script from the biography Winnie Mandela: A Life by Anne Marie du Preez Bezdrob, and Darrell J. Roodt will direct the film. Jennifer has also been tapped to sing the movies theme song.

This obviously isnt Jennifers first starring role in a major motion picture. In 2007 she won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in her role as Effie in Dreamgirls. She also played Carrie Bradshaws assistant in Sex and the City: The Movie and Rosaleen in The Secret Life of Bees.

Jennifer performed on Season 8 of American Idol during Songs of the Cinema week. View photos of her performance.

People Magazine just released their Sexiest Men Alive 2009 issue, and Season 8s runner-up, Adam Lambert, was on their list! Adam told the magazine that in order to have a shot with him you need to be an upbeat person. I love people with good energy. In June, People named Adam one of the Hottest Bachelors of 2009. MyIdol users dont disagree with Peoples choice of Adam as one of the sexiest men alive. See what theyre saying about the honor in the forums.

This week is a big one for Adam. His song Time for Miracles is the theme song for the movie 2012 which is now in theaters. For Your Entertainment, Adams debut album, hits stores on Tuesday, 11/24, and this Sunday he will perform on the American Music Awards.

View photos of one of the sexiest men alive in our Adam Lambert photo gallery.

Season 8s tenth place finalist, Michael Sarver, has signed a record deal with Dream Records/Universal. The Texas oil rig worker is going down the country route and will release his first single entitled You Are on December 8. In addition, Michael will release a bonus track called Cinderella Girl on the same day.

An avid songwriter who has written nearly a thousand songs, Michael told the The Pine Log, I've got a single coming out (at) the end of November, and it's amazing because I got to write it. I've always thought [I would get to write] my first song, and that's exactly what's happening; and then the album will come out next year. In the meantime, Michael will continue to work on the song selection process for his debut album.

View photos of Michael Sarver on Season 8 of American Idol.