Jennifer Hudson Interviews Fantasia Barrino, Oprah Winfrey in Full-Circle Moment

Publish date: 2024-08-11
Jill O'Rourke Jill O'Rourke
Jill O'Rourke

Jill O’Rourke is a contributor at Talent Recap, writing news stories and recaps for shows like ‘AGT,’ ‘The Voice,’ and ‘American Idol.’ She graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in English and Film Studies, and has been writing about pop culture since 2012, with previous bylines at Crushable and A Plus. Jill spends her free time binge-watching sitcoms and daydreaming about life as a hobbit


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Jennifer Hudson recently welcomed Fantasia Barrino and Oprah Winfrey to her talk show to promote their upcoming movie The Color Purple. It was a full-circle moment for Hudson, who appeared on American Idol with Barrino and was interviewed by Winfrey years ago.

Jennifer Hudson Interviews Idol Co-Star Fantasia Barrino

During their interview, Hudson reminded Barrino that it’s been almost 20 years since they competed on Season 3 of American Idol together. She shared a photo of them on the show, alongside fellow contestant LaToya London.

“We worked very, very hard,” Barrino said of their time on the show. “I also remember building great relationships, and being around great gifts. So iron sharpens iron. Just being around you guys, making a family, and being up every morning away from our families. But steady going, because it was something that we all wanted.”

Barrino recalled a time when she, Hudson, and London were in the bottom three. She jokingly imitated their disappointed faces. That was the night Hudson was eliminated from the competition. Barrino would go on to be named the Season 3 winner.

SEE ALSO: JENNIFER HUDSON DETAILS WHY SHE NEVER GAVE UP ON FOLLOWING HER DREAMS

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Hudson Had a Full-Circle Moment with Winfrey

Hudson also had a full-circle reunion with Winfrey, as she explained that the last interview she did with “Mama O” was when she was promoting Dreamgirls back in 2006. Hudson went on to win an Oscar for her performance in that film.

She posted on X (formerly Twitter) about the interview, writing, “I was a 25-year-old singer and actress doing the press tour for Dreamgirls. I knew my life was about to change as I sat there being interviewed by THE Oprah Winfrey.”

The Color Purple is a movie adaptation of the stage musical, which is based on a novel by Alice Walker. Winfrey starred in the original 1985 film adaptation of the book. She’s a producer on the new version. The film is out in theaters on Christmas Day.

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