Simon Cowell, known for his tough and sometimes harsh critiques as a judge on American Idol, once doubted Jennifer Hudson’s potential. However, after watching her rise to superstardom, Cowell now acknowledges his mistake. In 2022, nearly two decades after Hudson first competed on American Idol, the two reunited on The Jennifer Hudson Show, where Cowell expressed admiration for Hudson’s determination and success.
Cowell’s Early Doubts on American Idol
Hudson, a future EGOT winner, had been eliminated from American Idol in 2004, a decision that surprised many considering her vocal talent. However, at the time, Cowell didn’t see her as a “superstar” in the making. During her time on the show, he frequently critiqued her performances, especially during one memorable elimination after Hudson sang Barry Manilow’s “Weekend in New England.”
During their 2022 reunion, Cowell reflected on those early days, admitting that he hadn’t realized Hudson’s potential. “I remember thinking, ‘This is not a great song. Wasn’t your fault.’” He shared with Hudson that the “Barry Manilow week” had not helped her, but he expressed regret over her elimination.
Hudson’s Rise to Fame and Cowell’s Admiration
Despite her elimination, Hudson’s career quickly skyrocketed. She starred in Dreamgirls, alongside Beyoncé, and won an Academy Award for her role as Effie White. Since then, Hudson’s success has been nothing short of remarkable, and Cowell has come to deeply admire her journey.
In their conversation, Cowell told Hudson, “Without sounding sycophantic, you are the epitome of the American Dream.” He praised her resilience, especially after the setback of her American Idol elimination, noting that many would have given up. Instead, Hudson pushed forward with grace and determination, seizing every opportunity that came her way.
Cowell’s words were a heartfelt acknowledgment of Hudson’s unwavering determination and her eventual success, which has made her a beloved and iconic figure in entertainment. “You took every opportunity with grace and with determination, and you just did it,” Cowell said, underscoring how Hudson’s journey exemplified the spirit of perseverance and triumph.
