Academy Award-winner Jennifer Hudson broke down in tears as she unveiled her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

The former American Idol contestant was overcome by emotion as she thanked her family for being there with her on her big day.

Paying tribute to her mother, who was killed along with her brother and nephew in 2008, the Dreamgirls star said: “I guess the only thing I can start off by saying is the same as when I won my Academy Award – look what God can do.

“I knew I would get emotional and I’m sure my mom is in heaven saying ‘Jenny stop crying’, but now is the time to cry Mama.”

Wiping away tears, the Grammy-winning singer added: “This is an amazing honour as we all know and I did not see it coming.

“I’m so honoured to be here with so many that I love and I feel as though we are all family. It’s one thing to be in this type of position but it doesn’t mean anything if you can’t make a difference in the world and help someone.

“I always say when we go out we make sure we treat everyone like family and I’m so honoured that all my family is here today, blood or not.”

Hudson was supported by her family, her fiancé and son David, as well legendary record producer Clive Davis and the star of her new movie Black Nativity, Jacob Latimore as she revealed the 2,512th star on the Walk of Fame.