Jennifer Hudson is a born performer. Competing on season 3 of American Idol, she was a frontrunner until her shocking Top 7 elimination. Not letting the loss derail her career, Hudson went on to become the youngest woman and third African-American to join the elite EGOT club. Despite her overwhelming success in the entertainment industry, the Dreamgirls star has admitted to experiencing “jitters” both during and after her stint on American Idol. In fact, she recently revealed that it was those “jitters” that kept her from accepting one of the most coveted gigs in show business.
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Reuniting with Dreamgirls co-star Eddie Murphy during a recent episode of The Jennifer Hudson Show, the “Where You At” singer, 43, said that Saturday Night Live reached out to her about hosting the show around 2006.
“They wanted me to host right after Dreamgirls,” Hudson told Murphy. “But y’all, if you didn’t know, public speaking was my biggest fear. So I was completely intimidated. I was like, ‘No.’ I turned it down.”
Jennifer Hudson Is Open to a Do-Over
Just 25 years old when she made her film debut in Dreamgirls, Jennifer Hudson understandably felt unprepared to host the prestigious live sketch comedy show. Now, with two decades of experience under her belt, the “Spotlight” singer wouldn’t mind a second chance at the SNL gig.
“Now, I may feel more prepared, but the thought of it stresses me out,” she said.
[RELATED: 3 of the Most Shocking ‘American Idol’ Eliminations]
The Surprising ‘Dreamgirls’ Extra
Starring as Effie White in the 2006 film adaptation of Dreamgirls, Jennifer Hudson rubbed elbows with the likes of Jamie Foxx and Beyoncé. However, the talk show host was shocked to learn that another well-known name also appeared in the movie. During an appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show, singer-songwriter Kesha revealed that she was an extra in Hudson’s film debut.
“Serious. Bible,” said the “Tik Tok” singer. “For like $120, for 16 hours, I sat there with my hair teased to the gods. Oh my God, no offense, I hated it.”
“I’m gonna go rewind it back and try to spot you in the film,” replied a stunned Hudson. “This is amazing.”
Featured image by Howard Weiss/Shutterstock
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