For years, fans of Home Alone 2: Lost in New York have enjoyed spotting familiar faces and trivia hidden inside the beloved holiday classic. One of the most surprising facts tied to the film is Kate Hudson’s connection to it — though not in the way most people assume. Recently, Hudson finally set the record straight about her involvement in the 1992 sequel, revealing that her contribution was entirely behind the scenes.
Now 46, Hudson explained that while many believe she made a brief on-screen cameo, she never actually appears in the film at all. Instead, her voice does — and only if you know where to listen.
Not On Screen, But On the Soundtrack
Kate Hudson clarified that she was part of the children’s choir featured in the opening sequence of Home Alone 2. In the scene, a young Kevin McAllister performs with his school choir before chaos erupts when he shoves his older brother, sending children tumbling off the risers like falling dominoes.
Hudson’s contribution, however, was purely vocal.
“I’m not actually in the movie,” she explained during a recent podcast appearance. “I’m on the soundtrack.”
At the time, Hudson was still a child, long before audiences knew her as the charismatic star of Almost Famous, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, or Bride Wars. Her participation came years before she officially stepped in front of a camera, making it one of the earliest professional credits connected to her career — even if most viewers never noticed it.
How Old Was Kate Hudson During the Recording?
When asked about her age during the recording session, Hudson admitted that the details are a little hazy.
“I was so little,” she joked. “I was like seven? Eight? Ten?”
In reality, Hudson was born in 1979, meaning she would have been around 12 or 13 years old when Home Alone 2 was in production. At that age, she was already surrounded by music and performance, thanks to her famous family background, but she was still far from becoming a Hollywood star in her own right.
Hudson also said she couldn’t recall whether any other future celebrities were part of the same choir session. Given how young she was at the time, it simply felt like another recording experience rather than a historic moment tied to one of the most enduring holiday films ever made.
The Gift That Keeps on Giving: Residuals From a Choir Credit
One of the most amusing details Hudson shared is that her small contribution continues to pay off decades later — literally.
Despite never appearing on screen, Hudson still receives residual payments for her role in the choir. The amounts are modest, but the fact that they still arrive all these years later never fails to amuse her.
She once revealed that every now and then, she receives a residual check worth just a few cents.
“I still get residuals from Home Alone 2 because I sang in the chorus,” she said with a laugh. “I get about 10 cents every once in a while.”
The story has become a fan-favorite anecdote, highlighting both the quirks of the entertainment industry and how even the smallest roles can live on for decades — especially when tied to a movie that replays endlessly every holiday season.
From Choir Singer to Oscar-Nominated Star
Hudson’s choir contribution came several years before her official acting debut, which arrived in the mid-1990s. Her true breakout moment, of course, came with Almost Famous, the role that earned her critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination.
Since then, Hudson has built a career defined by versatility. She’s starred in romantic comedies, dramas, musicals, and ensemble films, carving out a persona that blends warmth, humor, and emotional depth. Yet despite her decades-long success, Hudson’s early brush with Home Alone 2 remains a charming footnote in her career — one she embraces with humor rather than nostalgia.
A Musical Comeback With a Major Oscar Buzz
Hudson is currently experiencing renewed attention thanks to her latest project, a musical drama biopic titled Song Sung Blue. In the film, she stars opposite Hugh Jackman, with the two portraying a real-life couple who form a Neil Diamond tribute band after struggling to find success in their own careers.
The film leans heavily into music, making Hudson’s early choral experience — however small — an interesting full-circle moment. Critics have praised her performance, particularly her vocal work and on-screen chemistry with Jackman.
Industry insiders have already begun speculating that the role could put Hudson back in serious awards contention. If she earns a nomination at the 2026 Academy Awards, it would mark her first Oscar nod in 25 years, underscoring a powerful career resurgence.
Praise for the Performances, Mixed Feelings on the Film
While Hudson and Jackman’s performances have received positive attention, reactions to the film itself have been more mixed. Some critics have applauded the casting and musical energy, while others feel the story leans too heavily into idealized storytelling.
There’s been particular discussion about how the film portrays its real-life inspirations, with some critics arguing that overly romanticized storytelling can flatten the complexity of its characters. Even so, Hudson’s work has largely stood out as a highlight, reinforcing her reputation as a performer capable of balancing charm with emotional authenticity.
A Small Role With a Big Legacy
Kate Hudson’s connection to Home Alone 2 may be invisible on screen, but it has become one of the most delightful trivia facts in her career. It’s a reminder that many stars begin their journeys in unexpected ways — sometimes without even realizing the cultural impact of the project they’re part of.
From a background voice in a children’s choir to a celebrated actress with Oscar buzz once again, Hudson’s career reflects longevity, adaptability, and an enduring love for music and performance.
And every holiday season, when the familiar opening notes of Home Alone 2 play, Kate Hudson’s voice is still there — quietly woven into the soundtrack of a Christmas classic.