Jennifer Hudson Pours Praise on Patient Boyfriend  2/8/07

Oscar nominee and former American Idol contestant Jennifer Hudson has paid tribute to her longtime boyfriend in print and now she hopes to make him feel extra special if she wins gold at the Academy Awards.

The Dreamgirls star has dated sweetheart James since 1999 and she wants him to play a major part in her Oscar night success - if she's picked as Best Supporting Actress.

She tells Giant magazine, "He's seen it all and been through it all with me.

I'm the dreamer, and he supports my dreams - always has.

"He's happy to be my rock and let me fly and I couldn't ask for anything more than that.

"I think it makes more sense for me to date somebody outside of show biz.

They are stationary, stable, a home base... I have a patient, understanding man who's there for me when I get home. He's home to me."