Jennifer Hudson gives birth to a son

NEW YORK – Jennifer Hudson has a new role — that of a proud mother.

The 27-year-old Oscar winner gave birth to her first child, David Daniel Otunga Jr., on Monday, according to her publicist, Lisa Kasteler of WKT Public Relations. He is named after her fiance, David Otunga. The baby weighed 7 pounds, 14 ounces.

"The baby is beautiful and perfect," says Hudson's publicist Lisa Kasteler. "His parents are ecstatic."

Hudson, who is also a Grammy-winning singer, had not confirmed she was expecting before announcing news of the birth.

The entertainer suffered a tragic blow last fall when her mother, brother and nephew were slain in her native Chicago. Her sister's estranged husband is charged with the killings.

Hudson, who gained fame first as a top contender on "American Idol," won an Academy Award for best supporting actress for her portrayal of Effie in "Dreamgirls" in 2007. Earlier this year, she won a Grammy for best R&B album for her self-titled debut CD.

The birth was first reported by the Hollywood Reporter's Showbiz411.com.