Simon Cowell Addresses Jennifer Hudson's 'American Idol' Elimination

Simon Cowell is flipping the script on Jennifer Hudson!

The “America’s Got Talent” judge appeared on the premiere episode of “The Jennifer Hudson Show” Monday, sitting down with the host 18 years after they first met on “American Idol.”

Simon arrived onstage with a beautiful bouquet of flowers for JHud, and even got a little emotional as they enjoyed a reunion in front of the studio audience.

After catching up and sharing why the night Jennifer was eliminated is a moment he’ll never forget, the music mogul took over from Jennifer as he proceeded with burning questions!

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Approaching the topic of “stupid” Barry Manilow week — when a 22-year-old Jennifer sang “Weekend in New England” — Simon said he wasn’t to blame for the theme that week.

Asked whether she would change anything if she could go back in time, the pair discussed how her journey from “American Idol” created opportunities.

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Although the performance ultimately got her eliminated from the TV talent show competition, Jennifer explained how the tune led to her landing a part in “Dreamgirls.”