Jennifer Hudson has opened up about her highly anticipated return to American Idolwho describes the experience of being on the judging panel as a “crazy” full-circle moment.
Appearing as a guest judge for the April 20 episode, the 44-year-old star reflected on how much has changed since she first appeared as a contestant during the show’s third season over two decades ago.
speaks to E! News at a tribute to Eddie Murphy, the Oscar winner admitted that being on the other side of the desk has put her incredible career trajectory into perspective, noting with surprise that her original Idol run was 22 years ago and Dream girls followed soon after.
The passage of time has clearly been a blessing for the EGOT winner, who now finds joy in helping the next generation of talent find their feet.
In addition to her guest stint on the show that made her a household name, Hudson is also part of the producing team for the upcoming Broadway revival of Dream girls.
She explained that she’s at a point in her life where she feels ready to transition from being the one in the spotlight to being on the production side so she can watch someone else get their big break.
This spirit of mentorship and connection is something Hudson has carried into his television career, specifically with The Jennifer Hudson Showwhich was recently renewed for its fifth season.
She previously shared with fellow EGOT winner Viola Davis that the talk show was a conscious choice to show the world who she really is.
After years of the public only knowing her through her music or her movie characters, she felt the show provided a much-needed space to just be herself, “Jenny Kate from the South Side of Chicago.”
