Jennifer Hudson Reflects on How She Went From 'Idol to EGOT' 20 Years After 'American Idol' Elimination

Jennifer Hudson is perhaps one of the most celebrated artists in the music industry today. Starting from an Idol hopeful from Chicago, Hudson is now a member of an elite circle of artists who have won an Emmy, an Oscar, a Grammy, and a Tony Award.

As the decorated singer-host continues to build on her successes, she never fails to look back on where she came from.

Jennifer Hudson Celebrates 'Idol to EGOT'

Hudson might be the most successful American Idol contestant of all time. Although she didn't win, Hudson went on to have the widest-ranging career of any contestant on the show.

(Other extremely successful Idol contestants include original winner Kelly Clarkson, Adam Lambert, Carrie Underwood, and Chris Daughtry.)

Notably, Hudson was eliminated during a controversial episode of Idol where she went head-to-head with Fantasia Barrino, who has since made waves in the industry too.

Both powerhouses ended up in the bottom two that night; after Hudson was eliminated, Barrino went on to win season three.

Hudson auditioned with Aretha Franklin's "Share Your Love With Me," wowing Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul, and Simon Cowell. In a full circle moment, Hudson was cast to portray Franklin in her musical biopic film in 2021.

Jennifer Hudson, EGOT

Hudson't first major accolade came after winning the role of Effie White in the film adaptation of Dreamgirls; this role garnered her an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress in 2007.

She then released her self-titled debut album in 2009, which won a Grammy for Best R&B Album.

With an Oscar and a Grammy already in the bag, Hudson was suddently halfway to an EGOT.

In 2021, she won an Emmy for the VR animated film Baba Yaga, on which she was an executive producer. and won a Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Interactive Media for a Daytime Program.

Despite a well-received performance in the Broadway revival of The Color Purple in 2015, Hudson was not nominated for a Tony, though the show itself won Best Revival, and castmates Cynthia Erivo and Danielle Brooks were both nominated. Erivo won Best Actress in a Musical.

Hudson returned to Broadway in 2022, not as an actress but as a producer for the Pulitzer-winning musical, A Strange Loop. Along with huge names in the Black and queer community, Hudson had production credits on the show.

At the 2022 Tony Awards, Hudson earned her Tony, joining the likes of Whoopi Goldberg, Elton John, and John Legend as artists who earned EGOT status. She is officially the youngest woman and only Idol contestant to ever complete the prestigious entertainment industry award quadfecta.

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Jennifer Hudson, American Idol