Jennifer Hudson is reflecting on her experience on American Idol and how her surprise elimination left an even more surprising impact on her.
The EGOT winner, 43, opened up about the subject while chatting exclusively with Parade during a private luncheon hosted by HomeGoods in Santa Monica to celebrate the brand’s new campaign, Finding Time Off (FTO). Hudson was eliminated from the Top 7 during Season 3, which aired in April 2004.
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“You know, right after I was eliminated, I used to get jitters and be like, ‘Why am I so nervous?’” she recalls. “And it’s like, ‘Oh, it’s Wednesday, elimination days.’ But it’s been some time, so not as much [anymore].”
As for whether or not she would ever return to the show that helped kickstart her career, Hudson tells Parade she hasn’t ruled it out.
“Definitely! I mean, I think it’s cool because I’ve been a coach on The Voice,” she says. “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.”
Hudson goes on to tell Parade that partnering with HomeGoods for their newest campaign, which aims to encourage decor enthusiasts to break free from their routine and “embrace some quality aisle time” at HomeGoods, is all about inspiration and finding ways to get creative.
Related: Here’s All the Info on ‘American Idol’ 2025, Including the Judges, Host, How to Audition and a New Trailer Featuring Carrie Underwood
“HomeGoods makes me want to decorate because I get in there and find things I didn’t even know I needed,” she explains. “Or it inspired me to [have] ‘I didn’t have a place for this, but where could I put it’ type of energy. So it inspires me.”
To bring the FTO campaign to life, HomeGoods is offering exciting giveaways on their official Instagram account from May 8 to May 16.
