Jennifer Hudson: Inside Her Life 20 Years After Her Shocking “American Idol” Elimination: 'I'm Still Here' (Exclusive)
The EGOT winner continues to marvel at her first steps in the industry
Ray Mickshaw/WireImage; Steve Granitz/WireImage
Jennifer Hudson on American Idol in 2004Jennifer Hudson still gets mesmerized looking back at her run on American Idol
The EGOT winner and mom tells PEOPLE how she's still surprised about where the moment led her
Hudson also opens up about her partnership with Dawn to celebrate the brand's iconic ducklings and give back to the International Bird Rescue
Jennifer Hudson is filled with gratitude for her American Idol journey.
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 the International 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 do American Idol would 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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In an X post on April 21, 2024, the singer shared a clip of the 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-host Ryan Seacrest announced that after receiving the highest number of votes earlier in the season, Hudson was going home, while contestant Fantasia Barrino would be moving through to the next round.
Barrino, who went on to win the season, hugged her tightly and said, “You are my American idol.”
Alongside the clip, Hudson continued her reflection, writing, “From Idol to EGOT baby!!! 20 years later, and now back on TV with my own show.”
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 visit dawnducks.com to download a $1 coupon off Dawn Platinum EZ-Squeeze, and Dawn will donate $1 to the International 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."
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