Jennifer Hudson: 'American Idol should go out on top'

Former AMERICAN IDOL star JENNIFER HUDSON has urged show producers to quit while they're ahead and end the TV singing contest before the ratings drop.

The Oscar-winner fears the series that helped make her a star has run its course and she doesn't think new judges Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj and Keith Urban will save it from a popularity slide.

She says, "Everything has its time. I think it should just allow itself to go out on top... and gracefully.

"American Idol changed the face of television... not everyone can say that. And, it’s always been a phenomenon. I’m proud to have come from American Idol, so I just say, go out on top."