Jennifer Hudson Reveals 2006 SNL Hosting Turn-Down Over Public Speaking Fear

Jennifer Hudson revealed that she turned down an offer to host Saturday Night Live (SNL) shortly after her breakout role in Dreamgirls in 2006 due to a fear of public speaking. During a recent episode of The Jennifer Hudson Show, she discussed the experience with guests Eddie Murphy, an SNL alum, and Keke Palmer, who has hosted the show. Despite her initial hesitation and nervousness about live hosting, Hudson acknowledged that she has since overcome much of her stage fright and might now be more prepared, though the idea still stresses her out. Murphy and Palmer encouraged her to take on the role, with Palmer affirming that Hudson would excel as both host and musical guest. Hudson has achieved significant success since then, becoming the youngest woman to earn EGOT status with Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony awards. Her career spans singing, acting, producing, and hosting her own talk show, reflecting her growth and versatility as an entertainer.