Jennifer Hudson: Two triumphs and two tragedies in the space of one week
There are people who dream of becoming celebrities because they equate fame and fortune with an easy, carefree existence. But the hideous tragedy that has befallen Jennifer Hudson, the gifted vocalist and star of such films as DREAMGIRLS, SEX AND THE CITY and THE SECRET LIFE OF BEES is a reminder that achieving the so-called “good life” is no guarantee that you won’t encounter real horror and sorrow.
Former ‹American Idol Castmates Offer Prayers, Support For Jennifer Hudson
Jennifer Hudson former …American Idol Season 3 finalists have offered their support and prayers for the Oscar-winner, following news that her mother, Darnell Donnerson, and brother Jason Hudson, were shot and killed at the family Chicago home.
…My heart, my prayers and love go out to Jennifer and her family, LaToya London, who placed fourth in Season 3 of …Idol told Access Hollywood. …I will constantly keep them in my prayers. Jennifer, stay strong.
…Senseless beyond speach. Infuriating. Confusing. Heartbreaking. There are no words that could describe the loss you must feel, Jon Peter Lewis, who finished eight in Season 3, said in a statement to Access. …I love you and I am with you in these turbulent days ahead.
More Idol Headlines After the JUMP…
Jennifer Hudson’s nephew missing after slayings
A suspect in the deaths was in custody Friday night, but young Julian King had not been seen since the bodies of Darnell Donerson, 57, and Jason Hudson, 29, were found Friday afternoon.
William Balfour, a man suspected in the deaths, was arrested Friday but had not been charged, law enforcement sources told the Chicago Tribune and Chicago Sun-Times.
Police spokeswoman Monique Bond said investigators were talking to “a number of people in custody” but she declined to elaborate. An Amber Alert issued Friday said Balfour was a suspect in the double homicide.
Amber Alert For Jennifer Hudson’s Nephew
(CBS/AP) The mother and brother of Oscar-winning actress Jennifer Hudson were found murdered yesterday in their Chicago home. A suspect is in custody and a nationwide Amber Alert has been issued for Hudson’s 7-year-old nephew.
CBS News correspondent Cynthia Bowers reports that Hudson returned to Chicago last night after news of the deaths.
Hudson has always laid her success at the feet of her mom and her adoring family, a down-to-Earth group who refused to move out of their longtime home in the South Side of Chicago. When neighbors heard gunshots yesterday morning, no one reported them.
Hudson shared special bond with mother
In the November issue of Sister 2 Sister, Jennifer Hudson talks with free-lancer Souleo as she promotes her new film, “The Secret Life of Bees, ” and her long-awaited, self-titled debut album, offering some insights into her relationship with her family.
Regarding criticism of past fashion choices: “Don’t nobody talk about me worse than my sister and my brother. Every time I step into my mama’s house or see my sister and brother, ‘What you got on? What’s that mess? You need to take that off.'”
Ben Affleck And David Cook To Appear On November 1 “Saturday Night Live”
Celebrity News Service has learned that Oscar winner Ben Affleck will host the show on November 1. This will be Aflfeck’s fourth time to host the show. Affleck recently received the 2007 Best Directorial Debut award from the National Board of Review for his critically praised debut “Gone Baby Gone.” He first rose to prominence in 1997 alongside Matt Damon as the Academy Award winning writers and co-stars of “Good Will Hunting.” Affleck’s other credits include “Shakespeare in Love, ” “Pearl Harbor, ” “Changing Lanes, ” “Hollywoodland, ” “Armageddon, ” “The Sum of All Fears, ” “Daredevil” and “Dazed and Confused.”
Joining Affleck, and making his live performance debut since winning Season 7 of “American Idol, ” is David Cook. Cook’s debut record, produced by Grammy Award winning producer Rob Cavallo is due out November 18 and is already the No. 2 top-selling record on iTunes.
Concert never quite gelled for the Reba ‘n’ Kelly show
She’s a little bit country. And she’s a little bit pop, rock, country or whatever will stick against the wall, it seems.
Friday’s Target Center concert with country veteran Reba McEntire and Kelly Clarkson — part of their “2 Voices, 2 Worlds” tour — came off as a little bit hokey and way too forced.
Lauer was roast of the hour The ‘Today’ host endured the hot seat at the Friars Club.
The real shock came at the top, when Tom Cruise walked on stage unannounced. You may recall that Cruise and Lauer had a heated confrontation on Today a few years ago about antidepressants. Cruise mocked Lauer’s job as consisting of “sitting on a couch interviewing the car from Knight Rider.”
As Cruise walked away from the microphone, Lauer shouted after him, “Tom, can you stay? I’ll get you a booster seat.”
But Lauer wasn’t the only dartboard. Aiken was the butt of so many jokes you’d think he was being roasted. (“What does Clay Aiken have in common with my high-school letter jacket? They both have been in the closet for 27 years.”) Al Roker, who hosted the event, also came in for an inordinate amount of abuse. And Gottfried went after Ann Curry unmercifully.
…I Told You So: Underwood or Urban
What they were playing was Carrie Underwood, singing her take on Randy Travis 1988 hit. That was ‘ and still is ‘ a well-crafted, brilliantly written song that Travis actually penned himself. Underwood does it justice, and the piano behind her almost makes up for the fact that it not Travis distinctive voice youre hearing. The story on this one is that she left and now she pleading to come back, wondering if hell accept her apology or tell her, …I told you youd do this, but it too damn late.
Simon Cowell’s white house
Simon Cowell is “obsessed” with the colour white.
‘The X Factor’ judge’s brother Tony – who made the revelation in a new interview to promote his spoof book ‘The Secret Diary of Simon Cowell’ – claims the TV star doesn’t want any other in his house.
He said: “Simon is obsessed with the colour white. His house is hysterical because there are about 30 shades of white in it!
Will The Reverend Al Sharpton Be Dancing with the Stars?
While being interviewed by TVGuide.com for his upcoming special Shaken Not Stirred The Reverend Al Sharpton revealed that he had previously turned down a chance to be on Dancing with the Stars due to the election and his activist work, but that next season he would be ready and willing to waltz into the show.
The Reverend said, “I turned down Dancing with the Stars last season because I was committed to do voter registration …this is a very important election. So, I may do it next season. You’re the first one I’m telling this to …if they offer again I may do it.” Did you hear that powers-that-be at DWTS?
Miley Cyrus Opens Up About Her Relationship With Underwear Model Justin Gaston
Miley Cyrus isn’t confirming her relationship with 20-year-old underwear model and aspiring musician Justin Gaston, but then again, she isn’t exactly denying it either.
“Maybe, maybe not, ” she said Thursday (October 23) on Ryan Seacrest’s KIIS-FM radio show, when asked if they were an item. “Right now, everything is, like, really good. I haven’t really been answering the question much just because we’re just really happy with everything and the way everything has worked out.
“I’m totally gushing right now!” she added.
Miley Cyrus and Justin Gaston already living together: report
Miley Cyrus is said to be searching for her own apartment – but take that rumor with a giant hunk of salt.
The National Enquirer claims the 15-year-old tween mogul is already living with her 20-year-old boyfriend, Justin Gaston – in the Cyrus family home.
Gaston, an underwear model from Louisiana, was a finalist on “Nashville Star” when he met Miley’s father, Billy Ray. Now the Enquirer claims that Papa Cyrus and his wife Tish apparently approve of their daughter’s new boytoy so much that they’re happy to have the couple bunking with them at their California estate.
Miley Cyrus avoids answering dating questions
In an interview Thursday morning with Ryan Seacrest for his radio show, …On Air With Ryan Seacrest, Seacrest asked Miley Cyrus if she was dating model Justin Gaston.
…Why do you want to know? Cyrus countered. …Do you have a crush on me?
Cyrus didnt confirm she is with the handsome 20-year-old, but when asked if she is allowed to date Gaston, she answered in the affirmative.
