Jennifer Hudson's Whitney saviour

23-09-2008 12:01

Jennifer Hudson says Whitney Houston saved her career.The actress-and-singer - who was a contestant on US TV talent show 'American Idol' in 2004 - insists Whitney's ongoing support and advice has been crucial to her success.She said: "I sang a Whitney song on 'American Idol' and we have been in contact ever since. I wouldn't be here without her. There has been nothing better than having her support." When Jennifer performed Whitney's powerful ballad 'I Have Nothing' on the series, judge Simon Cowell - who had been critical of her performances - praised her as "sensational".Despite the initial platform 'American Idol' provided for her, Jennifer has cut all ties with the music mogul.She explained to Britain's Daily Star newspaper: "Simon is firmly in my past. What he said on the show had no impact on my career afterwards."I feel I am one of the few artists to have escaped the 'American Idol' tag."