Jennifer Hudson has returned as a guest judge on American Idol two decades after appearing on the show’s third season. Since then, Hudson has built a successful career. Now, she has reached a full-circle moment by returning to the show in a new role. She reflected on this during her appearance at the taping of the 51st AFI Life Achievement Award: A Tribute to Eddie Murphy.

Jennifer Hudson on returning to American Idol after 22 years

Veteran actress, singer, producer, and talk show host Jennifer Hudson has returned to American Idol as a guest judge. She originally appeared on the show over 20 years ago and finished in seventh place during her run.

She described this full-circle moment in her career as “insane” during an interview with E! News during her appearance at the taping of The 51st AFI Life Achievement Award: A Tribute to Eddie Murphy.

“To be on the other side of everything is insane, but it puts how much time has passed into perspective,” Hudson, who has won all four major American entertainment awards, Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony (EGOT), told the outlet. “I’m like, ‘Wow. Idol was 22 years ago. Dreamgirls was 20 years ago,” she added.

Interestingly, Hudson is also on the producing team for a Broadway revival of Dreamgirls. She made her film debut as Effie White in the musical in 2006 and won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for the role.

“OK, yes, I can return as a judge or mentor on Idol and then be on the production side of Dreamgirls to see someone else get a chance,” Hudson added.

Hudson remains a prominent presence in the industry. Apart from being a guest judge on American Idol, she continues to host The Jennifer Hudson Show. This has been renewed for a fifth season. She is also set to appear in PAW Patrol: The Dino Movie in a voice-acting role.