Cowell blames “stupid Barry Manilow week” for Hudson’s early elimination.
Jennifer Hudsonmade her talk show debut on Monday and her first guest was none other than acid-tonguedAmerican IdoljudgeSimon Cowell.
Looking back, however, the 62 -year-old had nothing but praise for her.
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“Why was the show so big in those days?
It would be because of people like you.
It’s a combination of talent, determination, and real personality,” he said.
“And even though we had that banter, you and I, it was always that.
I always knew how determined you were.
You were funny and you took it with grace because you kind of got it.
I always thought that about you.”
“That night I will never forget,” he said.
“Who chose stupid Barry Manilow week?
It wasn’t me.”
He added, “It was not a great song.
Of course, it wasn’t your fault and then, of course, what happened, happened.”
Cowell then flipped the script, asking Hudson if there’s anything she’d change about that night.
Hudson went on to share how determined she felt despite her defeat on the show.
Hudson’s star has only grown brighter since her stint onIdol.
Just this year she became anEGOT winnerafter taking home a Tony Award for producing Broadway’sA Strange Loop.
It will no doubt sit comfortably beside her Oscar, two Grammys, and Daytime Emmy.
For now, she joins fellowIdolalum Kelly Clarkson as a daytime talk show host.
Clarkson,she told EW, has been a source of support during this new venture.
The Jennifer Hudson Showpremieres on September 12.
