Superstar ‘American Idol’ Alum ‘Definitely’ Wants a Role on Show Years After Competing

There’s no place like home. EGOT winner Jennifer Hudson has had an incredible entertainment career in the 21 years since she was eliminated from the top seven on “American Idol” in 2004, but she’d love to return to the place where it all began.

On May 7, 2025, Hudson told Parade that after serving as a coach on “The Voice” from 2017 to 2019, she can see herself returning “American Idol” for a similar role, much like former winner Carrie Underwood has done during season 23.

On the possibility of her returning, Hudson told Parade, “Definitely! I mean, I think it’s cool because I’ve been a coach on ‘The Voice.’ ‘American Idol’ would be wonderful because I think it’d be cool for the contestants to have people who have once been in their shoes.”

Jennifer Hudson Competed With Fantasia, Who Won Season 3 of ‘American Idol’

Even though it’s been 21 years since Hudson competed on “American Idol,” she told Parade she still remembers the stress of elimination days, including the night she wound up in the bottom two with Fantasia, who went on to win season three while Hudson headed home.

She explained, “You know, right after I was eliminated, I used to get jitters and be like, ‘Why am I so nervous?’ And it’s like, ‘Oh, it’s Wednesday, elimination days!’ But it’s been some time, so not as much (anymore).”

In April 2024, Hudson recalled the 20th anniversary of her getting cut from the show by sharing the moment on Instagram and declaring, “God turned it around for my good! From Idol to EGOT baby !!! 20 years later, and now back on TV with my own show.”

Hudson not only went on to win an Oscar for her role in “Dream Girls,” but just hosted the 500th episode of her talk show, “The Jennifer Hudson Show.”

She wrote in her 2024 post, “Never give up on your dreams, yal! If I can do it, so can u! If it’s not worth working hard for, it’s not worth it at all ! Remember nobody knows your potential the way you do. Just keep the faith, keep believing, and keep going!!!”

Two years before honoring that anniversary, she mended fences with former judge Simon Cowell when he appeared as the first-ever guest on her talk show in 2022. He apologized emphatically for his unkind comments to her during her season — including infamously telling her, “I think you’re out of your depth because I think there are better singers and performers in the 11 people left.”

Jennifer Hudson Has Been Cheering On Season 23 ‘American Idol’ Contestant Gabby Samone

Ten years later, Hudson performed on the show in 2014, but she seems especially interested in returning to encourage and mentor young artists.

She’s already been cheering on season 23 contestant Gabby Samone. Hudson discovered an Instagram video of the Baltimore singer performing and invited her to perform on “The Jennifer Hudson Show” in 2022.

The two kept in touch and when Samone considered auditioning for “Idol,” Hudson cheered her on, even recording a video for her once she’d made it through to Hollywood.

“My first season here, I got a chance to highlight a phenomenal singer named Gabby Samone,” Hudson said in her video, and noted that Samone mentioned her support during her on-air audition. “She is a rising star and was featured on ‘American Idol.’ I am super proud of her! She even gave me a shout-out!”