Jennifer Hudson reveals she overcame stage fright after turning down SNL gig

Published: May 30 2025

Jennifer Hudson is providing a revealing glimpse into her career aspirations as she reflects upon her tenure as a host on 'Saturday Night Live' (SNL) way back in 2006. During an exclusive chat with Keke Palmer and Eddie Murphy on 'The Jennifer Hudson Show', the 43-year-old actress, singer, and producer opened up her heart to her guests, sharing memories from her past and revealing that she had once been offered a hosting gig on SNL.

Jennifer Hudson reveals she overcame stage fright after turning down SNL gig 1

As Palmer and Murphy reminisced about their unforgettable moments on the iconic sketch comedy series, Hudson candidly expressed her hesitations about taking on the hosting role after the release of her debut film, 'Dreamgirls'. She said, "You know what, Eddie? It's quite amusing that you brought that up. They actually wanted me to host 'Saturday Night Live' immediately after 'Dreamgirls'. But honestly, for those who don't know, public speaking was my ultimate nightmare. I was absolutely terrified. I remember thinking, 'No way.' So, I politely declined."

Hudson has previously spoken about her journey in overcoming her stage fright, particularly through her experience helming her own talk show. She admitted, "These days, I might feel a bit more equipped for the challenge. But the mere thought of it still gives me butterflies."

Professionally, Hudson has truly come a long way since then, establishing herself as a powerhouse in the entertainment industry as a singer, actress, and producer.

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