Jennifer Hudson, tattoo artist? Could've happened

LOS ANGELES — If the whole singing and acting thing ever falls apart for Jennifer Hudson, you might find her working at a tattoo parlor.

The Oscar- and Grammy-winning performer was interviewed at the Grammy Museum on Saturday by Bob Santelli, the director of the museum.

At one point, he asked her what she would be doing if she wasn't able to pursue a career in singing or acting.

"I promised myself a long time ago I would use my gifts and my talents," she said.

She added that she could draw: "(I'd) be a tattoo artist. I want to get a tattoo. I would give you one if you let me."

Hudson also talked about her early musical influences and about one of the highlights of her career — being presented with a Grammy by her idol, Whitney Houston.

"Who would present me with my first Grammy, Whitney Houston herself — that almost overshadowed getting the Grammy," she said.

Hudson sang for the crowd before a brunch catered by Wolfgang Puck.

The Grammy Museum event also celebrated the partnership between The Recording Academy and Gucci, which started in 2010. The famed fashion house has created watches and jewelry in honor of the Grammys, with some of the proceeds benefiting the Music Preservation Program. Working with the company Muzak, the organization aims to preserve music recordings.

The Hudson event was one of several going on before the big awards show on Sunday. Across town at the Soho House, Jay-Z's Roc Nation threw their annual pre-Grammy brunch with Nokia. Bold-faced names that showed up included Rihanna, Rashida Jones, Nicole Richie, Ellen Pompeo and Christina Milian.

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Online: www.grammymuseum.org

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Alicia Quarles is the Global Entertainment and Lifestyles Editor for the AP. Follow her at http://www.twitter.com/aliciaquarles