Top of the chops... Jennifer Hudson, Beyonce Knowles and Anika Noni Rose in Dreamgirls
Back in 2002, when every motormouth MC with a record deal thought he was destined for an Oscar, Samuel L Jackson caused some controversy by stating categorically that most rappers cannot and should not act. Given the propensity most musicians seem to have for embarrassing themselves on the big screen, it might be fair to extend that maxim to the rest of the pop fraternity.
One example of a film in which musicians get to flaunt their acting chops is Dreamgirls, the musical-turned-movie about a 1960s all-girl trio which has been widely praised, even garnering a best supporting actress Oscar nomination for Jennifer Hudson, a former contestant on American Idol. The film, out here next month, gives more than a passing nod to the story of the Supremes, with Beyonce Knowles playing the Diana Ross role. The critical reaction to the erstwhile Destiny's Child singer's acting is a little mixed, but there's a definite consensus that Hudson is on fire.
On the other hand, Alicia Keys' recent turn as a lesbian assassin in the sub-Tarantino snorefest Smokin' Aces has failed to attract even a sniff of praise. She joins a list of successful singers who have served up box office turkeys that is as long as Beyonce's legs. But when I try to think of musicians who have proved as strong on film as on record, I immediately start to struggle. Can you help? And if you can't, what are the worst examples of pop stars transferring to Hollywood?
