Jennifer Hudson Shares Why She Turned Down Hosting Saturday Night Live

Jennifer Hudson Reveals Turning Down SNL

Jennifer Hudson shared a surprising fact on the May 29, 2025, episode of The Jennifer Hudson Show. During her conversation with Eddie Murphy and Keke Palmer, she revealed that she once turned down an offer to host Saturday Night Live.

Hudson told them, “They wanted me to host Saturday Night Live.” Her statement revealed a career decision fans had never heard before, giving insight into a major opportunity she passed up during her early rise to fame.

Timing of the Offer Was Explained

Jennifer Hudson explained that the Saturday Night Live offer came after Dreamgirls was released. She said, “They wanted me to host right after Dreamgirls.” That movie came out in December 2006, so the invitation likely came in late 2006 or early 2007.

At that time, Hudson’s powerful performance as Effie White had launched her into stardom and earned her widespread praise. Her acting debut had caught the attention of major television producers.

Hudson Explained Why She Said No

Jennifer Hudson said she turned down the SNL offer because of her fear of public speaking. She shared, “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.” At the time, the idea of standing in front of a live audience to do comedy sketches and deliver an opening monologue felt too scary for her to handle.

Hudson Has Since Grown Confident on Camera

Today, Jennifer Hudson has come a long way from fearing public speaking. She now hosts The Jennifer Hudson Show, which premiered on September 12, 2022. She even said, “Now I may feel more prepared.”

The show has her talking to a live audience, interviewing guests, and appearing on TV every day. Her new role shows how much she’s changed and overcome since the time she turned down SNL.

Her Talk Show Marked a Major Milestone

The Jennifer Hudson Show first aired on her 41st birthday, September 12, 2022. It’s filmed at Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, California, on the same set used by The Ellen DeGeneres Show. It’s produced by JHUD Productions and Warner Bros.

Unscripted Television. Jennifer Hudson, Andy Lassner, and Corey Palent are the executive producers. The show has earned multiple Emmy nominations and has become another major step in Hudson’s growing entertainment career.

Here’s What Hosting Involves

Hosting Saturday Night Live takes a full week of hard work. The host gives the opening monologue and acts in sketches with the cast. On Monday, the host attends the pitch meeting.

On Wednesday, around 40 sketches are read, and about 11 are chosen. These sketches are rehearsed before going live on Saturday night. It’s a fast-paced, demanding process that challenges even experienced entertainers like Hudson.

Returning to Her SNL Experience, Hudson Gave an Update

Jennifer Hudson said she now feels more prepared to host SNL, but it still makes her nervous. She said, “But the thought of it stresses me out.”

On the same May 29 episode, Eddie Murphy encouraged her to host and also be the musical guest. He starred with her in Dreamgirls and was once an SNL cast member. Hudson admitted she “maybe could do it” with encouragement.

Hudson’s EGOT Status Stands Out

In June 2022, Jennifer Hudson reached EGOT status, becoming the 17th person in history to win an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award. She also became the youngest woman ever to achieve this.

Hudson officially completed her EGOT on June 12, 2022. Her achievements across music, film, theater, and television proved her wide range of talent and placed her among the most honored artists in entertainment history.

Her Oscar Win Was the First Big Step

Jennifer Hudson won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress on February 25, 2007. She earned it for playing Effie White in the 2006 film Dreamgirls. It was her very first feature film.

Her version of “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” became the film’s most memorable moment. She also won a Golden Globe, a Screen Actors Guild Award, and a BAFTA Award for the same role.

Her Tony Came Next

Jennifer Hudson earned a Tony Award in 2022 as one of the producers of the musical A Strange Loop. The show won Best New Musical at the Tony Awards on June 12, 2022.

That same day, Hudson officially became an EGOT winner. She was recognized not just for performing, but also for producing. The Tony was a huge moment in her career and completed her set of major awards.

Her Emmy Win Was a Key Step

Jennifer Hudson won a Daytime Emmy on September 9, 2020. She received the award as executive producer of Baby Yaga, an animated interactive short film.

It won for Outstanding Interactive Media for a Daytime Program. This Emmy brought her one step closer to EGOT status. It also showed how she was using her talents behind the scenes.

“American Idol” Started It All

Jennifer Hudson first gained national attention in 2004 on Season 3 of American Idol. She came in seventh place, but her voice and stage presence made her stand out.

Judge Simon Cowell and many fans were impressed. Even though she didn’t win, American Idol gave her the start she needed. It launched her into the world of professional music, which later led to her film, theater, and TV success.

Its SNL Creator Led the Way

Saturday Night Live was co-created by Lorne Michaels and Dick Ebersol. It first aired on October 11, 1975, and was called NBC’s Saturday Night.

Lorne Michaels has been executive producer for most of the show’s run, from 1975 to 1980 and again from 1985 to today. He helped shape SNL into a famous comedy show that launched many careers and became a big part of American pop culture.

“American Idol” Started It All

Jennifer Hudson first gained national attention in 2004 on Season 3 of American Idol. She came in seventh place, but her voice and stage presence made her stand out.

Judge Simon Cowell and many fans were impressed. Even though she didn’t win, American Idol gave her the start she needed. It launched her into the world of professional music, which later led to her film, theater, and TV success.

Recently, Carrie Underwood joined American Idol again, this time as a judge, bringing her experience as a former winner and successful artist to the show.

Among SNL Hosts, Some Stars Keep Coming Back

Over the years, many famous people have hosted SNL multiple times. Alec Baldwin holds the record with 17 appearances. Steve Martin has hosted 15 times, John Goodman 13, and Tom Hanks 10.

These stars are all in the “Five-Timers Club” for hosting five or more times. Their performances keep the show exciting and popular, which makes SNL a place where fans expect top comedy talent.

Recently, Miley Cyrus responded to the SNL controversy after her performance at the SNL50 anniversary special.

Did Jennifer Hudson make the right call? Join the conversation!

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This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.