Jennifer Hudson broke down in tears as she achieved her dream of having her own talk show. The Jennifer Hudson Show premiered on Monday (Sept. 12), which also happened to be Hudson’s 41st birthday.
“It’s an emotional time and day for me because this is my first show,” Hudson said in her opening monologue during the show’s premiere. “Just know, that when you see me, you’re going to see my heart. And I hope you feel my heart. And that’s why I’m emotional right now.”
“I didn’t know I was going to…cry. It means everything that you all are here because you’ve been a part of my journey my entire career and I feel like this is a brand-new chapter that we’re all starting together.”
“There are the things that I’ve dreamt about my whole life and I want you to know that you are a part of that dream and we’re living it right now,” she continued, adding, “It’s just so ironic to me that this so happens to be my 41st birthday.”
In addition to getting to live out her dream of having her own talk show, Hudson was treated to a special rendition of “Happy Birthday” from her live, in-studio audience.
“I get a ‘Happy Birthday’ choir,” she said excitedly.
Hudson marked her latest career milestone, sharing a photo of herself standing in front of her show’s official poster, writing, “Today is the big day!!!,” adding 🥳🤩 and 💜 emojis to the caption.
Appearing on the first episode of Hudson’s new talk show was former Idol judge Simon Cowell. In one clip, the pair discuss Hudson’s elimination from the singing competition and in another, Cowell offers the singer his best advice.
“What advice would you give me being in the television business? Because you’ve done this and I want to hear from you,” Hudson said. “You’ve taught me a lot throughout the past.”
“The best advice is don’t listen to a word I say,” Cowell answered, prompting both he and Hudson to laugh. A moment later, the conversation took a more serious turn, however.
“Jennifer, without sounding sycophantic, you are the epitome of the American dream,” Cowell told her. “You took every opportunity [following Idol] with such grace and determination and you just did it.”
Besides Cowell, actress Viola Davis and country singer Mickey Guyton are among the guests scheduled to appear on The Jennifer Hudson Show this week.
The Jennifer Hudson Show airs weekdays at 11 am Eastern.
