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Jennifer Hudson is revisiting one of her most significant setbacks—an experience that ultimately paved the way for her to become the esteemed EGOT recipient she is today!
The talented singer and actress, aged 42, rose to prominence as a standout contestant on the third season of American Idol in 2004. Despite her popularity among fans, she faced elimination from the competition.
Now, two decades later, and adorned with numerous accolades, Hudson is taking a moment to contemplate her journey from that poignant moment of rejection. On April 21, she took to X (formerly Twitter) to share a clip of her elimination from American Idol, remarking, "On this day in 2004, I was eliminated from American Idol! But God turned it around for my good!"
In the clip, the then-host Ryan Seacrest announced her departure despite Hudson previously receiving the highest number of votes earlier in the season. It was a touching moment when fellow contestant Fantasia Barrino, who eventually won the season, embraced her tightly, declaring, "You are my American idol."
Continuing her reflection, Hudson expressed her gratitude for her journey from American Idol to achieving EGOT status, exclaiming, "From Idol to EGOT baby!!! 20 years later, and now back on TV with my own show."
As the host of The Jennifer Hudson Show, where she shares her wisdom and experiences, Hudson offered words of encouragement to her fans, urging them never to abandon their dreams. "Never give up on your dreams, yal!" she declared. "If I can do it, so can u!" She emphasized the importance of perseverance, faith, and self-belief in achieving success, reminding her audience to keep striving toward their goals.
Reflecting on the past, Hudson's elimination from American Idol remains a pivotal moment. In 2022, during the first episode of her eponymous talk show's second season, Simon Cowell, now 64, recalled the evening, attributing the outcome to the song choice, Barry Manilow's "Weekend of New England." He expressed his dissatisfaction with the selection, acknowledging, "That night, I will never forget," and absolving Hudson of any blame, stating, "Wasn't your fault."
