The latest live episode of “American Idol” was full of surprises, from Carrie Underwood’s duet with Billy Idol to her fellow judge Luke Bryan being rendered “speechless” by contestant Keyla Richardson’s jaw-dropping performance.
Even so, the biggest surprise of the night was host Ryan Seacrest’s announcement that EGOT winner Jennifer Hudson, who rose to fame on “American Idol” in 2004, will return to the show on April 13, 2026. She will not only mentor the Top 9 for Disney Night, but serve as a rare guest judge alongside Underwood, Bryan and Lionel Richie.
Hudson’s return will mark her time on the show in 11 years, and it’s a huge surprise given that she’s been a coach and mentor on “The Voice” for years — as recently as three weeks ago.
Jennifer Hudson’s Memorable ‘American Idol’ Elimination Fueled Her Drive to Keep Going
GettyIn 2004, Hudson was a finalist on “American Idol.” Her shocking elimination from the Top 6 only fueled her desire to keep pursuing her dream. Less than two years later, Hudson won an Oscar for her role as Effie White in “Dreamgirls.”
Now the host of her own Emmy-winning daytime talk show, “The Jennifer Hudson Show,” Hudson has also won two Grammys and a Tony, officially making her one of only 22 EGOT winners in the world and among the most successful “American Idol” alums in the series’ history.
As the Top 9 heads to Disneyland in California this week, they’ll each have a mentorship session with Hudson, per ABC. Then, during the April 20 live show, she will take her place at the judges’ table alongside Richie, Underwood, and Bryan to provide feedback on the singers’ performances.
Jennifer Hudson Has Appeared on ‘The Voice’ as a Mentor & Coach
Making her mentorship and judging all the more surprising is that Hudson, who last appeared on “American Idol” in 2015 performing with Iggy Azalea, has periodically served as a coach and mentor on NBC’s series “The Voice.”
In 2017, she joined “The Voice UK” as a coach from seasons six through eight, per NBC. She also joined the U.S. version of “The Voice” in 2017 as a season 13 coach alongside Miley Cyrus, Adam Levine, and Blake Shelton.
Hudson returned to “The Voice” as a Mega Mentor in season 26, and filled in for Kelly Clarkson (the first-ever “Idol” winner) during a March 2026 episode when Clarkson missed taping rehearsals with her team due to her ex-husband’s death.
Fans Flip Over Jennifer Hudson’s Return to ‘American Idol’
Fans and even fellow stars were thrilled to see Hudson coming back to the show where she first got her start. Even the “American Idol” social account asked, “Are we dreaming?!”
One wrote, “Yess Jennifer EGOT Hudson❤️🙌🏾🔥… One of the absolute best vocalists and most successful along with Kelly and Carrie. I guess I’ll be tuning in to an episode of American Idol. Been a while.”
Someone else weighed in, “The GOAT! One person I’d definitely take advice from. This is gonna be 🔥”
Hudson is scheduled to appear on the show on April 20 starting at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
