Jennifer Hudson, Katharine McPhee Share American Idol Memories

Katharine McPhee and Jennifer Hudson bonded over getting their start on American Idol during Katharine’s visit to The Jennifer Hudson Show.

The American Idol season 6 runner up shared about meeting her husband, producer David Foster in during her season in 2006. The two singers chatted about meeting Whitney Houston for the first time.

About American Idol, Katharine remembered being “overconfident” thinking that she would would get on to the show, “maybe make the Top 10.” But she didn’t expect to go all the way to the finals. Katharine finished in second place behind winner Taylor Hicks.

Before performances on the show, Katharine said that she felt the kind of nervousness that “you can’t explain” and wasn’t prepared for. “I was always singing around the house, but I was not a performer per se.”

“I was confident, but I had no idea what I was doing.”

She joked that she tries not to look back, but she did a lot of what she called “step touching.” She added, “I was confident, but I had no idea what I was doing.” Jennifer confessed that she didn’t know what she was doing either during her American Idol season in 2004, where she finished in a surprising 7th place.

“I grew up singing in the church,” Jennifer admitted. “When I got to American Idol they said, ‘perform.'” Jennifer said. “I’m like what does ‘perform’ mean!” They both agreed that American Idol was the perfect boot camp to teach them about how the record industry works.

“I look back at that show, American Idol, even more fondly”

For Katharine, it’s also where she met her husband, producer David Foster, when he dropped by to mentor the contestants. They knew each other a long time before finally getting together. David played at Katharine’s first wedding and they went on vacations together with other significant others. “I look back at that show, American Idol, even more fondly,” said Katharine “Because of the fact that it gave me my husband and my first child.” Katharine would love to have another baby. “We’re not in any rush.”

On singing together on ‘Smash’ and meeting Whitney Houston

The two also remembered when Jennifer guest starred on Katharine’s star television vehicle, Smash. They sang “On Broadway” as a duet. “I remember thinking that was a terrible song!” Katharine admitted. “I had that same thought!” Jennifer agreed, “We had a little fun…we did what we could with it.”

Back in 2006, both Jennifer and Katharine performed for Whitney Houston. It was the first time both singers met the icon. Katharine described Whitney as “so lovely.” David was on stage with Katharine “even then” as she performed, “I Have Nothing.” It’s the song Simon Cowell told Katharine she probably shouldn’t sing again. But the songs writer–David Foster–was fine with her singing it again.

Katharine ende the interview with an impression of Celine Dion. Jennifer was impressed. “That was epic!” she said. Watch the full interview below.

About mj santilli 34843 Articles
Founder and editor of mjsbigblog.com, home of the awesomest fan community on the net. I love cheesy singing shows of all kinds, whether reality or scripted. I adore American Idol, but also love The Voice, Glee, X Factor and more!