Hudson to judge ‘American Idol’
Jennifer Hudson has signed up to be an American Idol judge.
The Oscar-winning actress-and-singer – who appeared on the third season of the reality television show – has been confirmed as one of the panellists for season 13, according to E! News.
The revamped judging panel is expected to be formed entirely of former Idol contestants, with Hudson sitting next to international superstar Kelly Clarkson – who won the first series – and either Adam Lambert or Clay Aiken.
Producers on the Fox show hope the high-profile alumnus will reclaim some of their lost ratings as it has lost 10 million viewers in the last two years as it battles with rival singing contest The Voice.
An insider commented: "It’s Idol alumnus bringing in the next generation."
Hudson went on to have one of the most successful careers out of all the past contestants, winning an Academy Award in 2006 for Best Supporting Actress for musical movie Dreamgirl.
Bruno Mars was previously rumoured to be a hot contender for the judging role in a bid to attract a younger generation of viewers.
The shake-up comes after current judges Randy Jackson and Nicki Minaj announced they would not be returning. It has now been confirmed that Keith Urban and Mariah Carey have also departed the show.
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