Instagram/Jennifer Hudson & Luke Br TV EGOT winner Jennifer Hudson returns to American Idol as a guest judge and mentor for Disney Night. Don't miss her special appearance with the Top 9 on April 20. April 14, 2026 AceShowbiz - Jennifer Hudson, the EGOT winner and former finalist on American Idol, is set to make a special return to the ABC music competition. She will appear as a guest judge and mentor during the show's upcoming Disney Night on April 20.