Jennifer Hudson disses 'American Idol'

**MaryJane** · February 5th, 2007, 06:10 AM

Quote:

In a rambling interview with Essence magazine, Dreamgirls co-star Jennifer Hudson has assailed the producers of American Idol, the show that brought her to prominence.

She said, "On American Idol, you go through this mental thing; you've got to get yourself back together. You've been abused, misled and brainwashed to believe whatever they want you to think.

"You become a character -- I became the girl in the turkey wrapping. I just knew I had to sing my way out of it. I don't believe in looking back, and I didn't look back."

The "turkey wrapping" remark was an apparent reference to a costume she was made to wear on one episode of the show. Although many writers had predicted that Hudson would win the competition, she was beaten by Fantasia Barrino.

http://www.contactmusic.com/news.nsf...20idol_1020971

Aella · February 5th, 2007, 06:14 AM

Oh, boo-hoo. And who would have heard for her if it weren't for American Idol?

I have no doubt that the show exploits those singer to the fullest extent, but then again, I have little sympathy for people who sign up for those reality shows.

Soth · February 5th, 2007, 06:24 AM

Biting the hand that fed you is never a particularly good career move. So she realized that she was used, well ignorance really isnt much of a defense. And a lucky role (tailor made for her albeit) with awards does not guarantee longevity in an industry that will chew her up and spit her on the slag heap quicker than you can say Gwynnie

crackho · February 5th, 2007, 09:13 AM

I like her better when she only opens her mouth to sing...

SweetPea · February 5th, 2007, 01:23 PM

If this is true, then I think she should keep her mouth shut until after The Academy Awards.

VenusInFauxFurs · February 5th, 2007, 01:26 PM

Seriously, unless you're singing stfu.

Dean James · February 5th, 2007, 02:07 PM

She should be thanking her lucky stars she was even on the show and got voted off when she did. Totally worked out for her in the end.

Any gripes, she should keep it to herself. She may have a point about the producers but let sleeping dogs lie.

Elisa · February 5th, 2007, 05:25 PM

Come on Jennifer. You don't need to bring yourself down to that level. You're so much better than that. You're singing voice does all the talking for you. You don't need to remind Simon, the AI producers and the public that they screwed up royally - they know!

sweetness · February 5th, 2007, 06:18 PM

She does sound a bit bitter, but I'm giving her the benefit of the doubt b/c she seemed so humble at the Golden Globes. I'm wondering what her tone of voice was when she was saying all this. Maybe she was kind of laughing as she said it which gave it a whole different context.

I think maybe she is so fresh to the celeb scene that she hasn't quite figured out the best things to say sometimes.

Lobelia · February 5th, 2007, 06:29 PM

She really needs to work on being more gracious.

I don't know what she meant about "turkey wrapping" but I do know that she was one of the most poorly-dressed contestants on the show, until the week that they got stylists. She looked AWFUL. I'll never forget that hideous Pepto Bismol dress with matching accessories.

As for being brainwashed, well, she was trying to win a contest like everyone else. If you focus on winning, you're going to learn everything you can to help you win. I don't know what she's talking about.

Jennifer was not that good on AI. It was obvious that she had a good voice, but she simply did not control it well or consistently. She had one amazing performance when she sang Circle of Life, but her others were forgettable. I've never been a big Fantasia fan, but Jennifer didn't deserve to win. She's very lucky to have been given these recent opportunities, and there is no way she would be in this position without AI.

Tater Tot · February 5th, 2007, 07:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lobelia

Jennifer was not that good on AI. It was obvious that she had a good voice, but she simply did not control it well or consistently. She had one amazing performance when she sang Circle of Life, but her others were forgettable. I've never been a big Fantasia fan, but Jennifer didn't deserve to win. She's very lucky to have been given these recent opportunities, and there is no way she would be in this position without AI.

ITA! I liked Jennifer on AI, but she was kicked off at the right time. No way was she better than Latoya or Fantasia. And i don't even like Fantasia that much. She's come a long way and I'm happy for her success because she seems like a nice girl. But i'm still not sure how great she can sing live. I guess we'll find out at the Oscars.