The Bert Show: Vault – Jennifer Hudson Joins The Show

Date: December 16, 2025
Host: The Bert Show Cast (Bert, Jen Hobby, Melissa Carter, Jeff, et al.)
Guest: Jennifer Hudson
Theme: The Bert Show sits down with Jennifer Hudson after her elimination from American Idol, discussing her experience, reactions to the results, dynamics with fellow contestants, the controversial voting process, and her future plans.

Episode Overview

This episode of The Bert Show features an exclusive, heartfelt interview with Jennifer Hudson, shortly after her surprise elimination from American Idol. The hosts explore Hudson’s attitude following her exit, rumors about contestant relationships, controversial voting issues, and her plans for the future, all with The Bert Show’s trademark warmth and humor.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Jennifer Hudson’s Reaction to Elimination

• Maintaining Positivity Despite Shock:

  • Despite widespread belief that Jennifer was "robbed," she emphasizes gratitude for the experience and opportunity.
    • Quote (Jennifer Hudson, 03:14):

      "You know what, I can't complain because there's so many thousands, probably millions of people by now who wish that they were in the position to, to be put in the bottom three, to be eliminated. Eliminated as seventh or sixth."

• The Hosts’ Reactions:

  • The Bert Show team candidly shares their own disappointment and shock at Jennifer's departure, not shying away from calling it unfair.
    • Quote (Bert, 02:48):

      "All right, let's get to what's important here. You are friggin’ robbed. Yeah."

2. On-Stage & Backstage Dynamics

• Vibes Among Contestants:

  • Jennifer dispels rumors of bad blood, especially with Latoya, asserting genuine respect among the women contestants.
    • Quote (Jennifer Hudson, 05:20):

      "No. Why would somebody say that? ... My sister said, girls will be girls, but we got along. And ... we always appreciated each other's differences..."

• Observations on John Stevens:

  • Discussion of why certain contestants remain; Jennifer describes John Stevens as grateful and humble, always surprised to be safe.
    • Quote (Jennifer Hudson, 04:25):

      "He is so grateful every step of the way that he’s still there ... Every week he says it should have been me. It’s gonna be me, you know, and you shouldn’t feel that way."

3. Controversial Voting and System Flaws

• Impact of Hometown Power Outage:

  • The hosts bring up the 15,000 Chicago homes affected by a power outage, possibly affecting Jennifer’s voting tally.
    • Quote (Jennifer Hudson, 06:02):

      "Oh, definitely. I mean, a lot of phones, cell phones and everything were out, and people ... couldn’t watch, obviously. ... If 15,000 people could have picked up the phone and voted 200 times or two hours straight, oh, I think it would have made a world of difference."

• Critique of Voting Process:

  • Jennifer floats the idea of limiting voting to one vote per person to make it fairer.
    • Quote (Jennifer Hudson, 06:25):

      "I think people should be only allowed to vote once, because ... You did your part versus having to vote the whole two hours ... Who want to sit up and vote other than your family two hours straight?"

4. American Idol Experience & Favorites

• Watching Seasons 1 & 2:

  • Jennifer shares she was a fan of American Idol from the very beginning, despite touring commitments back then.
    • Quote (Jennifer Hudson, 06:55):

      "Season one, all the way through season two, I tried my hardest, but I was on a cross [tour]. So I really only got to see the very beginning and the very end, but I was a fan all the way through."

• Who Would She Have Chosen in Season 1?

  • Initially a Justin fan, but switched allegiance to Kelly Clarkson after seeing her talent.
    • Quote (Jennifer Hudson, 07:13):

      "At first, I was a big Justin fan until Kelly opened that mouth and started blowing it away... I have to vote for the true talent."

5. Life After Idol

• Moving Out of the Idol House:

  • Jennifer confirms that eliminated contestants leave the house the next morning.
    • Quote (Jennifer Hudson, 07:42):

      "No, I left the house. You leave the house the next morning."

• Voting for Herself:

  • Admits to sometimes voting for herself—with exasperation at the process.
    • Quote (Jennifer Hudson, 07:57):

      "Yes. And it used to get on my nerves, too. Like, oh, my God, do I have to hold the mic in one hand and the cell phone in the other? ... I’m glad that’s over."

• Who Would She Vote for Now?

  • Expresses strong fandom for George Huff, calling him her pick for American Idol.
    • Quote (Jennifer Hudson, 08:16):

      "I am. I’m sorry, but I’m the biggest George Huff fan in the world ... he would be my American Idol all the way."

• Future Plans:

  • Hopes to record soon or potentially star as Jennifer Holliday in "Dreamgirls" on Broadway or in the movie adaptation.
    • Quote (Jennifer Hudson, 09:47):

      "I will hopefully first record and be Jennifer Holiday either on Broadway or in Dreamgirls in the movie."

6. Fun & Personal Moments

• Style Compliments:
  • The hosts and Jennifer joke about loving her signature curls.
    • Quote (Bert, 10:16):

      "I love the curls."

    • Quote (Jennifer Hudson, 10:17):

      "I do too."

Notable Quotes (with Timestamps)

• On being ‘robbed’:

  "You are friggin robbed." (Bert, 02:48)
  "I can't complain because there's so many thousands ... who wish that they were in the position ... to be eliminated as seventh or sixth." (Jennifer Hudson, 03:14)

• On contestant relationships:

  "No. Why would somebody say that? ... we always appreciated each other's differences..." (Jennifer Hudson, 05:20)

• On the voting process:

  "I think people should be only allowed to vote once ... Who want to sit up and vote other than your family two hours straight?" (Jennifer Hudson, 06:25)

• On future plans:

  "I will hopefully first record and be Jennifer Holiday either on Broadway or in Dreamgirls in the movie." (Jennifer Hudson, 09:47)

• On supporting George Huff:

  "I'm sorry, but I'm the biggest George Huff fan in the world ..." (Jennifer Hudson, 08:16)

Important Segment Timestamps

• Jennifer Hudson Joins Interview: 02:25
• Discussion of Elimination Feelings: 02:48–03:14
• John Stevens Discussion: 03:59–04:43
• Rumors & Relationships: 05:12–05:32
• Voting/Power Outage in Chicago: 05:32–06:18
• Voting Reform Ideas: 06:18–06:51
• Idol Watch History/Favorites: 06:51–07:33
• Life Post-Idol: 07:42–08:08
• George Huff Fandom: 08:16–08:42
• Future Aspirations: 09:35–09:58
• Wrap-Up and Style Fun: 10:12–10:23

Overall Tone & Takeaways

The conversation is lively, warm, and honest, balancing The Bert Show’s enthusiasm and realness with Jennifer Hudson’s gracious, down-to-earth personality and resilience. Jennifer consistently expresses appreciation and positivity while reflecting thoughtfully on competition disappointments, the challenges of public voting, and the camaraderie among contestants. The episode is packed with moments of humor, candor, and inspiration—making for an engaging listen, with or without context about American Idol.