American Idol: Jennifer Hudson to perform in series finale

Last week, American Idol announced that the series finale would feature performances by a pair of former contestants who later won Grammys. Now you can add to that list an ex-contestant who went on to win not just a Grammy but an Oscar, too.

The final installment of the hit singing competition will include a send-off song from Jennifer Hudson, Fox confirmed on Wednesday. (The Dreamgirls star who finished in seventh place in season 3 is pre-taping her performance as she is now starring on Broadway in The Color Purple.) Season 1 champion Kelly Clarkson and season 4 winner Carrie Underwood also will be seen singing in the finale. (Clarkson pre-taped her performance due to her pregnancy.)

Hudson most recently appeared on Idol last season.

The two-night finale — which airs live on April 6 from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. ET/PT and April 7 from 8 p.m. to 10:06 p.m. ET/PT from Hollywood’s Dolby Theatre — also will feature group and solo performances from such Idol alums as Ruben Studdard, Fantasia, Taylor Hicks, Jordin Sparks, David Cook, Kris Allen, Lee DeWyze, Scotty McCreery, Candice Glover, Caleb Johnson, Nick Fradiani, Ace Young, Allison Iraheta, Amber Holcomb, Blake Lewis, Bo Bice, Brandon Rogers, Bucky Covington, Carly Smithson, Casey James, Chris Daughtry, Clark Beckham, Clay Aiken, Colton Dixon, Constantine Maroulis, Danny Gokey, Diana DeGarmo, Elliott Yamin, George Huff, James Durbin, Jessica Sanchez, Josh Gracin, Joshua Ledet, Justin Guarini, Katharine McPhee, Kellie Pickler, Kimberley Locke, Kree Harrison, LaToya London, Lauren Alaina, Melinda Doolittle, Pia Toscano, Sanjaya, Skylar Laine, and Tamyra Gray.​

People first reported the news.