

The show kicked off, quite fittingly, by showing Hudson’s meteoric rise from American Idol hopeful to Oscar-winner, playing her Idol audition-where she sang Franklin’s “Share Your Love With Me”-followed by audio of Hudson winning her Oscar and Grammy. Jennifer Hudson manifested her role in the upcoming Aretha Franklin biopic 16 years ago, when she sang one of the late diva's tunes during her show-stopping American Idol audition.

It was a chance to Hudson to showcase her truly stunning vocals, performing Franklin’s hits as well as her own Grammy-award winning music. And she only strengthened her case when she headlined at The Apollo in Harlem on August 19, the first live performance at the historic theater since March 2020, which was presented by Mastercard. On September 12, 2022, the former American Idol judge was the first-ever guest on The Jennifer Hudson Show, marking the first time the two had talked since she was voted off the hit. Although the awards season has yet to begin in earnest, Hudson is already on some speculative shortlists. Aside from showcasing many truly great artists, 'Idol' has also shown that not everyone has an ear for singing. Jennifer Hudson (born 12 September 1981) is a contestant on American Idol, who finished 7th on the third season of the competition. Still, not everyone proved to be an undiscovered talent. Fifteen years later, Hudson is back in the awards conversation for her turn as the queen of soul Aretha Franklin in the underrated musical biopic Respect. From Carrie Underwood to Jennifer Hudson, these artists' killer vocals made it clear from the start that they were already stars in the making. Hudson laughed and explained that Warwick’s This Empty Place was her original audition song when she was a contestant on American Idol. Jennifer Hudson’s voice is a force of nature, so powerful that it won her the Oscar for best supporting actress in her film debut as Effie White in Dreamgirls. Jennifer Kate Hudson (born September 12th, 1981) was a contestant on Season 3 of American Idol. Jennifer Hudson and legendary icon Dionne Warwick.
