Jennifer Hudson says Whitney Houston saved her career

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." After her exit from the programme, Jennifer concentrated on breaking into acting and incredibly won the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her performance in 2007's 'Dreamgirls'.

The 27-year-old star has now turned her attention back to music and has surrounded herself with some of the industry's hottest songwriters to achieve chart success. She added: "I took my time to find the right songs. I have been blessed by being able to work with great songwriters on my album like Diane Warren, Robin Thicke and Ne-Yo.

"I don't write the music myself but these people listened to my stories and wrote some incredible music specifically for me to sing." Jennifer's self-titled album is due to be released later this month.