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."