A Single Step Away: Kelly Clarkson’s Raw Six-Word Reaction to Jennifer Hudson’s EGOT Glory
OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
Achieving EGOT status—winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony—is a rare milestone reserved for a select few in the entertainment world. When Jennifer Hudson, fellow American Idol alum and powerhouse vocalist, joined this elite club in 2022, it sparked a heartfelt and candid response from another music icon, Kelly Clarkson, revealing not only admiration but also her own proximity to the same prestigious achievement.
“I Just Want to Cry, Girl!”
Clarkson’s six-word reaction to Hudson’s EGOT milestone—“I just want to cry, girl!”—was a genuine expression of awe and respect. It highlighted the friendly yet fiercely competitive spirit between two artists who have both made tremendous marks on music and entertainment. The message also underscored how close Clarkson herself is to joining the EGOT ranks, needing just one more award to complete the coveted quartet.
Jennifer Hudson’s Historic EGOT Triumph
On June 12, 2022, Hudson became the 17th person in history—and the youngest woman—to achieve EGOT status by winning a Tony Award for Best Musical as a producer of the Broadway hit A Strange Loop. This achievement also made her the third African-American to reach the milestone.
Her EGOT journey spans across all major awards:
| Award Type | Award Won | Role/Production | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oscar | Best Supporting Actress | Dreamgirls (Role of Effie White) | 2007 |
| Grammy (2) | Best R&B Album; Best Musical Theater Album | Jennifer Hudson album; The Color Purple | 2009, 2017 |
| Emmy | Outstanding Interactive Media | Baba Yaga (Executive Producer) | 2021 |
| Tony | Best Musical (Producer) | A Strange Loop | 2022 |
Kelly Clarkson: Just One Award Away
Clarkson’s emotional response is rooted in the fact that she stands just one major award away from EGOT status herself. Having secured multiple Grammys and an impressive eight Daytime Emmy Awards—four for Outstanding Talk Show Host and four for Outstanding Talk Show—Clarkson needs only a Tony Award to complete her EGOT journey.
| Award Type | Clarkson Wins | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Emmy | 8 (multiple wins for The Kelly Clarkson Show) | Four for hosting, four for show |
| Grammy | 3 (including Best Pop Vocal Album and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance) | Hits include Breakaway and “Since U Been Gone” |
| Oscar | 0 | Yet to receive a nomination |
| Tony | 0 | The missing piece |
A Moment of Mutual Respect and Future Ambitions
Clarkson’s candid, emotional message goes beyond friendly encouragement—it is a profound recognition of the journey both artists share in the competitive entertainment landscape. It also hints at Clarkson’s next ambitious move: exploring opportunities in Broadway, potentially securing that elusive Tony and joining Hudson in EGOT history.
In a world where such accolades are rare, this heartfelt exchange between two powerhouse performers highlights not only the significance of the achievement but also the camaraderie that exists amid the pursuit of artistic excellence.
