Jennifer Hudson Sets Wedding Date, Returns to Idol

Five months after thetragic murders of three of her family members, Jennifer Hudson is moving forward with planning her wedding to David Otunga — and returning to the American Idol stage.

After Idol‘s tribute to Motown Wednesday, Hudson — who finished in 7th place in season 3 — pre-taped a performance for a future episode of the show. Host Ryan Seacrest then chatted with Hudson and asked her if she had set a date for her wedding. “Yeah, but it’s a secret,” she replied. “I can’t tell anybody.”

Hudson, who will be touring with Robin Thicke to promote her self-titled, debut album starting March 31, told Seacrest, “It feels great” to be back on the stage where she started her singing career.

Dressed in a black dress, a blazer, and leggings, Hudson, 25, who won a Grammy for best R&B album earlier this year, gave a rousing vocal performance of her single “If This Isn’t Love.”

Fellow Idol alum Ruben Studdard also pre-taped a performance that will air Thursday night. — Lisa Ingrassia

Check out all our Idol coverage at PEOPLE.com/idol!

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