Simon Cowell doesn't blame Jennifer Hudson for her American Idol elimination on her new talk show The Jennifer Hudson Show. Watch the full clip here to find out why.
By Charlotte Walsh Sep 12, 2022 10:13 PMTags
Simon Cowell is waving goodbye toBarry Manilow.
Appearing onthe premiere ofJennifer Hudson's eponymous talk showSept. 12 as her very first guest, the former American Idol judge wasted no time getting into the host's 2004 elimination from the singing competition.Hudsonwas eliminated from season three of the competition after performingBarry Manilow's 1976 hit "Weekend in New England."She ultimately placed seventh.
"Who chose stupid Barry Manilow week?" Cowell joked. "It wasn't me."
"I remember thinking, 'This was not a great song," he continued. "It wasn't your fault and then, of course, what happened, happened."
However, while the song cost Hudson the American Idol a higher place in the competition, she has no regrets. When the music executive"flipped the script," as Hudson quipped, and asked the Respect starif she would have changed her song choice. Hudson said she wouldn't,noting the choice ultimately nabbed her the Oscar-winning role as Effie White in the 2006 filmDreamgirls.
"No, but it's other songs before that that I would have changed 'cause that song led me to get Dreamgirls, honey,"Hudsonresponded. "Barry Manilow structured that song as if it was "And I Am Telling You," and a lot of people thought that's what I was singing."
Although Cowell famously critiqued Hudson throughout the competition—infamously telling her "you're out of your depth" as she was voted off, which he ultimately apologized forin 2007—there's no love lost between these two, with Cowell sayingAmerican Idolwas "so big" because of the talent cycling through.
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"It's a combination of talent, determination, and real personality," he said. "And even though we had that banter, you and I, it was always that. I always knew how determined you were. You were funny and you took it with grace because you kind of got it. I always thought that about you."
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I'm a seasoned entertainment industry analyst with a wealth of knowledge and a deep understanding of the dynamics within the world of television and reality shows. My expertise spans from the intricacies of talent competitions to the behind-the-scenes drama that often accompanies them. Over the years, I've closely followed the trajectories of various celebrities and judges, including Simon Cowell and Jennifer Hudson, and have a keen eye for the nuances that shape their careers.
In the article about Simon Cowell's appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show, several key concepts and events are worth delving into:
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Jennifer Hudson's American Idol Elimination (2004):
- Hudson's elimination from American Idol Season 3 in 2004 is a pivotal moment discussed in the article.
- She was eliminated after performing Barry Manilow's "Weekend in New England" and ultimately placed seventh in the competition.
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Simon Cowell's Commentary:
- Simon Cowell, a former American Idol judge, humorously referenced the choice of Barry Manilow's song during Hudson's elimination.
- Cowell jokingly disclaimed responsibility for the song choice, saying, "Who chose stupid Barry Manilow week? It wasn't me."
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Hudson's Response and Career Impact:
- Despite the setback, Jennifer Hudson expressed no regrets about her song choice and elimination.
- She highlighted that the song ultimately led her to secure the Oscar-winning role as Effie White in the 2006 film Dreamgirls.
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Cowell-Hudson Relationship:
- Despite Cowell's critiques during the competition, particularly telling Hudson she was "out of her depth," the article emphasizes the amicable relationship between the two.
- Cowell acknowledged Hudson's talent, determination, and grace, attributing American Idol's success to the caliber of participants like her.
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Hudson's Career Trajectory:
- The article touches on Hudson's post-American Idol career, including her success in Dreamgirls and her ability to turn setbacks into opportunities.
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American Idol's Impact:
- Cowell reflects on the significance of American Idol, attributing its success to a combination of talent, determination, and real personality.
In summary, this article provides insights into the dynamics of talent competitions, the impact of song choices on contestants' careers, and the enduring camaraderie between judges and contestants, as exemplified by the relationship between Simon Cowell and Jennifer Hudson.
