Jennifer Hudson: Inside Her Life 20 Years After Her ShockingAmerican IdolElimination: 'I'm Still Here' (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

Jennifer Hudson on American Idol in 2004.Photo:Ray Mickshaw/WireImage; Steve Granitz/WireImage

Ray Mickshaw/WireImage; Steve Granitz/WireImage

Jennifer Hudsonis filled with gratitude for herAmerican Idoljourney.

The EGOT winner, 42, began her rise to stardom as a standout and fan-favorite on the third season of the the competition show, airing in 2004.

While chatting with PEOPLE about her partnership with Dawn to celebrate the brand’s iconic ducklings and support theInternational Bird Rescue,Hudson took a trip down memory lane, saying “every part” of that era in her life stands out when she looks back.

“Sometimes, you just don’t know what time you’re in until you look back at it. I would’ve never known, or how could I have ever known, that 20 years ago, making that choice to doAmerican Idolwould start such a huge change in my life,” she tells PEOPLE.

“[I didn’t know] that would set my career, that I could sit here and say, 20 years later, I’m still here in the industry.”

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Jennifer Hudson on American Idol in 2004.Ray Mickshaw/FOX

In an Xposton April 21, 2024, the singer shared a clip ofthe moment she was eliminated, and wrote, “On this day in 2004, I was eliminated from American Idol! But God turned it around for my good!”

In the clip, then-hostRyan Seacrestannounced that after receiving the highest number of votes earlier in the season, Hudson was going home, while contestantFantasia Barrinowould be moving through to the next round.

Barrino, who went on to win the season, hugged her tightly and said, “You aremyAmerican idol.”

The singer and daytime talk show host is partnering with Dawn to celebrate the iconic Dawn ducklings and share an offer to help save money and wildlife. For a limited time, beginning Sept. 17, shoppers and wildlife lovers can visitdawnducks.comto download a $1 coupon off Dawn Platinum EZ-Squeeze, and Dawn will donate $1 to theInternational Bird Rescue, up to $100,000.

“I’m excited about my partnership with Dawn and anything that could help save the little ducklings,” says Hudson, who appears in a new commercial alongside the animals.

“I’m grateful for International Bird Rescue doing everything that they are doing to save the birdies, that’s for sure. I love me some animals, and Dawn has always been part of my family’s household and our kitchen. So, I love this partnership.”

source: people.com