Jennifer Hudson is to sing for US President Barack Obama.

The singer-and-actress is to perform for the president, his wife Michelle and 320 guests at a state dinner at the White House tonight (24.11.09). It is not known what she will sing.

It will not be the first time Jennifer has performed for the Obamas.

In 2008, she sang the American national anthem at the Democratic National Convention where the then-Senator Obama accepted the Democratic Party's nomination to run for president.

She is not the first soul act to play at the White House, in Washington.

At the Governor's Dinner in February, funk band Earth, Wind and Fire - whose most famous hits include 'Boogie Wonderland' and 'Let's Groove' - performed for guests.

Jennifer suffered personal tragedy last year when her mother Darnell Donnerson was murdered along with her brother and nephew.

The 28-year-old star recently claimed she believes she is protected by her mother's spirit and feels inspired by her when parenting her three-month-old son David.

Asked if she feels her mom is with her all the time, Jennifer - who is in a long-term relationship with David Otunga - said: "Oh my God, yeah. Definitely. Every day I'm like, 'Wow! I didn't realise I was so like my mother until now, you know?

"My mother was the strongest person I've ever seen."