EGOT winner and former American Idol contestant Jennifer Hudson is returning to the ABC music competition series as a guest judge and mentor on its upcoming Disney Night, April 20.
During tonight’s episode, the long-running reality show announced that the multi-hyphenate superstar and 2004 finalist would join Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie and Carrie Underwood to usher the Top 9 Idol finalists in next week’s themed competition.
This marks Hudson’s inaugural return to Idol in over 10 years, as she last graced the stage alongside Iggy Azalea, when the two performed their song “Trouble” during Season 14 in 2015. Hudson will also mentor finalists for the first time, guiding the Top 9 as they perform iconic Disney songs live for America’s vote and a coveted spot in the Top 7.
Hudson first rose to prominence as a competitor on the third season of Idol, where she finished seventh. Since then, she has entered the elite ranks of artists who have won the hallowed EGOT, becoming one of now 22 people who have done so. Her nationally syndicated talk show, The Jennifer Hudson Show, was recently renewed for a fifth season and has been a recipient of 13 Daytime Emmy nominations.
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Last October, Hudson released her first Grammy-nominated holiday album, The Gift of Love, and this summer, she’ll join Josh Groban live in concert. Additionally, her voice was recently featured in the animated movie Goat.
Next up, she is joining the producing team of the Fall 2026 Broadway revival for Dreamgirls, two decades after she won an Academy Award for her portrayal of Effie White in Bill Condon’s 2006 film adaptation of the musical.
American Idol saw its biggest season debut this January since Season 20 four years ago. The Ryan Seacrest-hosted talent show previously aired on Sunday nights but moved to Mondays this year.
“Disney Night” on American Idol airs live next Monday from 8-10 p.m. ET on ABC and Disney+. All episodes are available to stream the next day on Disney+ and Hulu.