In 2004, “American Idol” crowned singer Fantasia Barrino as the winner of season 3. But the season may be most remembered for the shocking elimination of contestant Jennifer Hudson, who amazed viewers and the judges with her powerhouse vocals.
Hudson would go on to have an incredible career in both music and movies (she’s the only Idol contestant to say she’s won an Oscar). Still, in a recent appearance on “Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen,” the songstress opened up about how she truly felt about her future following her Idol elimination.
Jennifer Hudson Was ‘Disappointed’ After Her ‘American Idol’ Exit
GettyJennifer Hudson was a guest on “Watch What Happens Live on Andy Cohen” on Oct. 13, with the host wanting to know her mindset after being voted off of “American Idol.”
Hudson admitted that she couldn’t believe “how fresh” her “American Idol” elimination still was in people’s minds — including actress Laverne Cox, who was also a guest that night, and vividly remembered the shocking moment.
“That’s what’s crazy, everyone still remembers that to this day, and I have to remind people that you have to realize that was 20 years ago…” Hudson shared.
Cohen then asked Hudson how she felt at that moment when she was up for elimination. “Did you feel hopeful about her future in the entertainment industry, or did you feel like ‘Oh no, this is [over]?” Cohen asked.
“Of course, for a split second you’re disappointed, you know what I mean? But instantly, I was like, I still have my gift, my voice, all I have to do is keep singing, and that was my speech after I left. I said, ‘I’ll be back.’ I don’t know when, I don’t know how, but I know I’m going to have to sing my way to it,” Hudson shared.
Not only was it shocking that Hudson ended up being eliminated, but the “three divas,” which were comprised of Hudson, Barrino, and contestant La Toya London, were in the bottom three. Barrino would ultimately win season 3.
Hudson Won an Oscar Just 3 Years Later
GettyHudson would later prove that she didn’t need to be the winner of “American Idol” to make it in the industry. Thanks to her show-stopping vocals, she was cast to portray Effie White in the 2006 film “Dreamgirls.” It was Hudson’s first-ever movie role, and she had no acting experience. The movie features an ensemble cast starring Jamie Foxx, Eddie Murphy, Beyoncé, and Danny Glover.
Hudson was nominated for Best Supporting Actress at the 2007 Academy Awards and won the coveted Oscar.
Interestingly, in a March interview looking back at that Oscar night, Hudson admitted she didn’t know much about the Academy Awards.
“It sounds so harsh, but I wasn’t too familiar with the Oscars because my dream was to be a singer and win Grammys. So even down to the night of being there, I remember [costar] Jamie Foxx saying, ‘The craziest thing is she has no clue to what is going on.’ I was experiencing it as I went along.” Hudson admitted.
Hudson’s win would become a pivotal turning point in her career, and she was no longer regarded as just a reality TV star but an accomplished actress and singer.
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