It has been 20 years and Jennifer Hudson is looking back at one of her biggest rejections according to PEOPLE.
The singer and actress, 42, shot to fame as a standout and fan-favorite on the third season of American Idol, which aired in 2004.
Then, she was eliminated.
Now, two decades — and a whole lot of accolades — later, Hudson is reflecting on her journey from that heart-wrenching rejection.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on April 21, the singer shared a clip of the moment she was eliminated, and wrote, “On this day in 2004, I was eliminated from American Idol! But God turned it around for my good!”
In the clip, then-host Ryan Seacrest announced that after receiving the highest number of votes earlier in the season, Hudson was going home, while contestant Fantasia Barrino would be moving through to the next round.
Barrino, who went on to win the season, hugged her tightly and said, “You are my American idol.”
Alongside the clip, Hudson continued her reflection, writing, “From Idol to EGOT baby!!! 20 years later, and now back on TV with my own show.”
On this day in 2004, I was eliminated from American Idol! But God turned it around for my good! From Idol to EGOT baby !!! 20 years later, and now back on TV with my own show.
Never give up on your dreams, yal! If I can do it, so can u! If it’s not worth working hard for, it’s… pic.twitter.com/qIN61bzXdZ
— Jennifer Hudson (@IAMJHUD) April 21, 2024
The Jennifer Hudson Show host — who has since received the coveted EGOT for all four major entertainment awards, Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony — also added an inspiring message for her fans.
“Never give up on your dreams, yal!” she wrote. “If I can do it, so can u!”
“If it’s not worth working hard for, it’s not worth it at all! Remember nobody knows your potential the way you do,” she continued. “Just keep the faith, keep believing, and keep going!!!”