Simon Cowell Blames Song Choice for Jennifer Hudson's Idol Exit

Simon Cowell is speaking out about Jennifer Hudson's shocking elimination during the third season of American Idol. He contends that the contestant's song choice, Barry Manilow's "Weekend in New England," played a crucial role in her vote-off. Cowell insists that any claims of him directly causing the elimination are unfounded, as judges did not cast votes. He points to the era's nascent social media landscape, where song selection had a more pronounced effect on viewer decisions.

Despite the controversy surrounding Hudson's departure, Cowell believes she still would have secured the "Dreamgirls" role. He notes that the casting occurred over a year later, by which time she had already achieved significant career milestones. Her journey, including her time on "Idol" and her role in "Dreamgirls," ultimately contributed to her becoming a rare EGOT winner.

Cowell is currently lending his expertise to "America's Got Talent" and is preparing to launch a new series, "Simon Cowell: The Next Act." The show's trailer has been released, positioning it as a potential competitor to established talent programs. "Simon Cowell: The Next Act" is scheduled to begin streaming on Netflix on Wednesday, December 10.