Jennifer Hudson: Burger queen

Mar 13, 2007, 13:10 GMT

03/07/2007 - Jennifer Hudson - stay away from the whoppers © Janet Mayer / Photorazzi

Jennifer Hudson has been given an all-you-can-eat-free-for-life card by Burger King.

The Oscar-winning actress responded to criticism from 'American Idol' judge Simon Cowell for not thanking the show in her acceptance speech - on which she was a contestant - by asking if she should also have thanked the fast food chain where she once worked.

Jennifer snapped: "If I'd been any better at my job when I was at Burger King in my middle teens, I wouldn't be here either, so should I thank them, too?"

Burger King has now released a statement, saying: "In response to Jennifer's recent comments in which she asked if she should be thanking Burger King, we say thanks, but no thanks are necessary. Burger King Corporation is proud of Jennifer's success and while we never like to lose employees, in this case, our loss is the entertainment industry's gain. To further show our support for Jennifer, and make sure she never has to sing for her supper again, Burger King Corporation is giving her a pre-paid BK Crown Card that will be automatically reloaded for life."

The 'Dreamgirls' star's first job was at a Chicago Burger King when she was 16. Jennifer claims she sang while working on the drive-through counter and flipping burgers.

(C) BANG Media International