Kate Hudson is embracing a refreshingly honest and relaxed approach to her latest role. The actress recently opened up about the physical and mental transformation she underwent to prepare for the movie musical Song Sung Blue, revealing that she intentionally stepped away from her usual wellness routine — including skincare and strict fitness habits — and gained around 15 pounds to fully inhabit her character.
At 46, Hudson says the experience was not only liberating but genuinely enjoyable, allowing her to prioritize authenticity over perfection while preparing for a story rooted in real life, love, and music.
“I Didn’t Have to Watch What I Ate”
While discussing her preparation for Song Sung Blue, Hudson shared that this role stood apart from many others she has played in the past.
“This film was fun — I didn’t have to watch what I ate,” she explained. To achieve a softer, more natural look for the character, Hudson intentionally gained weight and eased up on her regular workout schedule. She added about 15 pounds during the process, embracing a slower pace and a more relaxed lifestyle — something she admitted aligned perfectly with the holiday season.
“I put on weight just to be nice and soft,” she said, noting that she wasn’t working out much during that period. Rather than focusing on strict discipline, Hudson allowed herself to simply enjoy life, food, and downtime — a rare but welcomed shift from the structure she usually maintains.
Letting Go of Skincare and Perfection
In addition to altering her fitness and diet routine, Hudson also stepped away from her skincare regimen — another intentional move designed to support the character she was playing.
“I stayed away from skincare routines,” she said, emphasizing that the decision wasn’t about neglect, but about freedom. Hudson explained that she wanted to “just let myself be” and enjoy the simplicity of life without constantly focusing on optimization or self-maintenance.
While she was quick to clarify that she also loves being disciplined, working out, and feeling strong, Hudson acknowledged that there was something deeply grounding about allowing herself to relax those expectations.
“It felt good to just enjoy life,” she added, highlighting a balanced mindset that resonates with many audiences navigating similar pressures.
About Song Sung Blue: A Story Rooted in Real Life
Song Sung Blue is a movie musical inspired by the true story of Claire and Mike Sardina, a married couple who formed the Milwaukee-based Neil Diamond tribute act Lightning & Thunder. The film is based on the 2008 documentary of the same name, which chronicled the duo’s early days, their musical journey, and the personal dynamics behind their partnership.
In the film, Hudson stars as Claire opposite Hugh Jackman, who plays Mike. Together, they portray a couple navigating love, ambition, insecurity, and connection — all set against the backdrop of music that defined a generation.
The movie premiered on Christmas Day, making it a festive and emotionally resonant release centered on partnership and perseverance.
On-Set Chemistry With Hugh Jackman
Ahead of the film’s wider theatrical release, Hudson and Jackman have both spoken openly about their positive experience working together. During a joint appearance at a major awards event in 2025, Hudson praised Jackman’s ability to connect with people on and off the stage.
She described his greatest strength as his emotional accessibility, noting that he has a natural way of making everyone feel seen — whether he’s performing, rehearsing, or simply talking between takes.
Jackman returned the compliment, saying that working with Hudson made him a better actor. He described her as someone who is deeply prepared yet instinctive, able to stay present and responsive in every moment.
Recording the Music Before Filming Began
One of the most interesting aspects of Song Sung Blue is that Hudson and Jackman recorded the music together before filming started — a choice that helped establish trust and chemistry early on.
Hudson recalled that the first recording session was surprisingly intimate. Sitting together on a sofa with microphones, the two singers faced a moment of uncertainty.
“How’s this going to work?” she remembered thinking. At that point, they didn’t know each other well, and the pressure of capturing the emotional core of the music was real.
Jackman admitted that recording studios make him more nervous than performing live on stage. However, he said Hudson seemed completely at ease — grounded, confident, and emotionally connected to the music from the start.
Finding the Vibe and Building Trust
As the two continued working together, Hudson said the recording sessions became a vital space for exploration. Rather than rushing to perfection, they focused on finding the right emotional “vibe” for the songs.
She later reflected that spending hours in the studio together before stepping onto set helped them form a genuine connection — something essential when portraying a deeply intimate married couple.
“All of Neil’s songs are basically him alone,” Jackman noted, explaining that many of the harmonies and duet moments had to be creatively developed. As they sang together, what initially felt uncertain began to feel natural and easy.
For Hudson, this musical foundation made the transition to filming smoother, allowing both actors to bring emotional familiarity into their on-screen relationship.
A Performance Built on Authenticity
Hudson’s approach to Song Sung Blue reflects a larger shift toward authenticity in storytelling — one that prioritizes emotional truth over polished perfection. By letting go of rigid routines, she allowed herself to fully embody Claire’s warmth, vulnerability, and humanity.
The result is a performance shaped by lived-in realism rather than transformation for spectacle. For Hudson, the experience reaffirmed that there’s value in balance — in knowing when to push and when to simply be present.
Final Thoughts
With Song Sung Blue, Kate Hudson delivers a performance rooted in honesty, comfort, and emotional connection. Her decision to step away from strict wellness routines wasn’t about rebellion — it was about alignment with the story she wanted to tell.
Paired with Hugh Jackman’s openness and musical sensitivity, the film offers a heartfelt look at love, partnership, and creative collaboration. Hudson’s candid reflections only deepen appreciation for the thoughtful choices behind the performance — both on and off the screen.