COLUMBIA, S.C. — A new "friend" is coming to WLTX daytime starting Monday, as singing and acting superstar Jennifer Hudson's new talk show will make its debut.
"The Jennifer Hudson Show" airs its premiere episode at 4 p.m. on September 12, leading into "Friends at Five" with Darci Strickland and Andrea Mock.
Hudson first gained national attention as a contestant on the third season of "American Idol" where she placed seventh. However, she quickly was able to turn her appearance into a big time recording and acting career.
She's one of a rare group of entertainers who are what's known as an EGOT, which means they've won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award. In fact, she won a Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her very first movie, the musical "Dreamgirls."
But now with her new show, Hudson said she wants to show the world another, more personal side to herself.
"You've seen me as characters from acting which I've been blessed to do," she told CBS This Morning's Gayle King in an interview on the eve of the show. "Or singing different songs as a voice but now it's time for people to hear my voice, from my experiences."
The show's mission is to be a destination to "laugh, learn, and feel inspired." And she said she's excited to do that.
"I've seen the highest of the highs and the lowest of the lows and everything in between," she told King. "If I could be that inspiration for somebody who's trying to reach their dreams or that example that you can still make it no matter what you're going through. You know there's been so many people to help push me along I want to be that for someone else."
“The Jennifer Hudson Show” will feature celebrity interviews, topical stories, community heroes, viral sensations, and music. Hudson will use her powerful voice in a new way, bringing fun, uplifting conversations to the forefront, shining a light on extraordinary stories, talents, and passions
The show has released their lineup for which celebrities will be featured on premiere week:
- September 12: The EGOT winner will go back to where it all began by reuniting with former “American Idol” judge Simon Cowell on her premiere episode for their first sit-down conversation since placing seventh on the singing competition series in 2004. The talk show premiere will also mark Hudson’s 41st birthday, filled with celebratory moments and fun surprises.
- September 13: Hudson will chat with NBA legend Magic Johnson, followed by an interview and performance by Mickey Guyton, the first Black female solo artist to earn a GRAMMY nomination in a country category.
- September 14: Comedian and Emmy Award-nominated actress from the hit series “Insecure” Yvonne Orji will join Hudson in-studio.
- September 15: Emmy Award-winning star of “Ted Lasso” Hannah Waddingham will chat about the hit show and her new movie, “Hocus Pocus 2.”
- September 16: Premiere week will wrap with Oscar, Emmy, Tony, and Golden Globe Award-winning actress Viola Davis who will discuss her new film, “The Woman King.”