Jennifer Hudson on American Idol Return as Guest Judge

“It has double meaning for me, at least for my celebrity and artistry and my person,” she told fellow EGOT winner Viola Davis during a chat for Interview in August. “Throughout my career, people have only gotten to know me through singing songs or playing characters. I felt like the talk show gave me space and a place to be just Jennifer, Jenny Kate from the South Side of Chicago.”

Plus, as Jennifer put it, “I love people.”

“People love to confide in me,” Jennifer continued. “I’m a listener, and I’m also inspired by hearing other people’s stories and perspectives. There’s a lot of things I don’t know about, but I get to learn it through my guests, so I’m inspired by all of that.”

Of course, Jennifer isn’t the only American Idol alum to make the most out of her career. Read on to see what other contestants are up to these days.