Randy Jackson Says He's 'More Proud' of Jennifer Hudson 'Than Any American Idol Winner' - Watch!

Randy Jackson and Jennifer Hudson are together again!

On Thursday (September 22), the 66-year-old music producer and the 41-year-old EGOT winner had a mini American Idol reunion on her new daytime talk show, The Jennifer Hudson Show.

During their chat, the reminisced about the first time they met at the Idol auditions in Atlanta over 18 years ago.

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“Thank you for you voice and bringing your voice to us on the show,” Randy said to Jennifer, recalling her audition.

“I grew up in the church, in the hood. You grew up in the church, probably in the hood too. Singing is what we love, we grow up loving singing in the church,” Randy continued. “When I heard you when you auditioned, I thought, ‘That girl’s got something.’ And you still got it today, y’all, J-Hud is in her house!”

Jennifer then credited Randy for jump-starting her career, saying, “Without this man, I wouldn’t be here today.”

If you forgot, Jennifer came in seventh place during the third season of Idol back in 2004. Despite not winning the show, Jennifer never gave up her dreams of stardom and won an Oscar in 2007 for her role in Dreamgirls.

“You knew that you had a gift given by God,” Randy gushed. “I’m probably more proud of you than any American Idol winner because you didn’t win! And look at what you’ve done.”

Randy continued, “That’s the thing, keep going and never give up. Believe in yourself and believe in your talent. You did it, you said, ‘Look, this ain’t gonna stop me. One door closes, five more about to open.’”

Earlier this week, Randy reunited with another American Idol alum!