earsucker

On Saturday, we lost Whitney Houston at the young age of 48. During Sunday’s Grammy Awards ceremony, Jennifer Hudson paid tribute to Whitney by singing her trademark song, I Will Always Love You (Read the full story here). She did a fantastic job in paying homage to Whitney and performed well considering she was given less than a day to rehearse.

In a new interview, Jennifer said that she has acknowledge that Whitney’s death has really taken an emotional toll on her. She went on to say that she hasn’t been able to stop the tears since learning the tragic news of Whitney’s untimely passing.

She told Us Weekly, “It was the greatest honor of my life to be able to be the one to pay tribute to Whitney’s memory. It was from my heart. I haven’t stopped crying since she passed. Her family is in my prayers.”

Whitney was discovered in her bathtub at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on Saturday. She was said to have passed away as a result of Xanax combined with alcohol consumption. Her funeral is set for Saturday with a private viewing set for later today. Also of note is that her funeral is reportedly going to be live-streamed on the internet on Saturday. Will you be tuning in?

Another report states that Kevin Costner will speak at her funeral and Aretha Franklin will perform, with Marvin Winans eulogizing the late singer. Oprah Winfrey is also on the list of invitees.

Photo Credit: Hall/Pena, PacificCoastNews.com

On last night’s Grammy Awards, the show opened with a prayer for Whitney Houston. Near the end of the show, Jennifer Hudson paid tribute to the singer with a song that Whitney catapulted to the top of the charts, I Will Always Love You. See the video here, in case you’ve missed it.

It was a touching tribute to an icon, even though some have said that perhaps Jennifer shouldn’t have been the one to do it. Now, the song’s creator, Dolly Parton, reacted to the performance and to Whitney’s untimely death.

She said, “I was brought to tears again last night, as I’m sure many were, when Jennifer Hudson sang, I Will Always Love You on the Grammys in memory of Whitney. Like everybody else, I am still in shock. But I know that Whitney will live forever in all the great music that she left behind. I will always have a very special piece of her in the song we shared together and had the good fortune to share with the world. Rest in peace, Whitney. Again, we will always love you.”

What did you think of Jennifer Hudson’s tribute at the Grammy Awards? Should Dolly Parton have sung their signature song? Sound off in the comments and let us know your thoughts!

Photo Credit: © Enrique RC, PacificCoastNews.com

Jennifer Hudson tried to pull it together and stay strong for her tribute to legendary singer Whitney Houston earlier today during rehearsals, but some things are easier said than done.

At the last minute, Jennifer was called upon to pay a “respectful musical tribute” to the singer, who passed away just yesterday.

She showed up for the rehearsals in Los Angeles today to sing Whitney’s trademark song, I Will Always Love You. A source said that she “began sobbing hysterically”, adding, “She had to restart several times before making it through.”

Reportedly, Chaka Khan will also take the stage with Jennifer for her tribute to the iconic singer. The source revealed, “All stars have been accommodating. No one has batted an eye or been a diva. People are trying to be upbeat.”

Grammys Executive Producer, Ken Erhlich, siad, “It’s too fresh in everyone’s memory to do more at this time, but we would be remiss if we didn’t recognize Whitney’s remarkable contribution to music fans in general, and, in particular, her close ties with the Grammy telecast and her Grammy wins and nominations over the years.”

Stay tuned for the video when it’s uploaded.

Update: Chaka Khan just tweeted that she is not performing tonight. She said, “As I grieve the loss of my friend and “little sister,” I don’t feel it appropriate to perform at this time. Continue to pray for the family.”

Update: Watch the video below:

Photo Credit: Koi Sojer, PacificCoastNews.com

It was rumored last month that former American Idol singer Jennifer Hudson was considered for the role of Precious in the movie of the same name. The role was given to acting newcomer Gabourey Sidibe, but it was reported that Jennifer turned the movie down. Particularly, that she rejected the role because she didn’t want to gain weight for the titular role.

In her memoir, she commented that she wanted to take a role which had nothing to do with her weight. TMZ caught up with Jennifer and she said, “I did not turn down the role because of the weight thing. I turned it down because I felt it was just too graphic for me at that time.”

TMZ has more:

Hudson’s explanation seems to contradict what she told “Dateline” earlier this week (below) … when Jennifer said she passed because, “I would have had to be the big girl again.”

When Lester Holt asked if her decision to turn down “Precious” was motivated by fear of being typecast as a heavy actress … Hudson said, “I don’t like the idea of being boxed into anything.”

Do you think she should have taken the role of Precious? Would she have done the part as much justice as Gabourey Sidibe? Sound off in the comments with your thoughts!

Photo Credit: PacificCoastNews.com

Jennifer Hudson has revealed that she rejected the role of the abused single mom in Precious because she didn’t want to gain weight for the role.

Right after her Oscar win for Dreamgirls, the movie’s director, Lee Daniels, approached her to play the character. She told him that she wasn’t interested in the part, which went to Gabourey Sidibe.

In her memoir, I Got This: How I Changed My Ways And Lost What Weighed Me Down, she wrote, “As much as I was moved by this film, I wanted to try a role that had nothing whatsoever to do with my weight.”

I can’t say that I blame her. She has worked hard for all of the weight loss that she has achieved. Would you gain weight for a movie role? Especially after losing so much of it already? Tell us in the comments!

Recent rumors suggested that Jennifer Hudson had called off her wedding to David Otunga. Her rep has stepped in to say that the rumors are not true.

Her rep issued a statement saying, “I can confirm that the story is not true.”

A report stated that she had “abandoned plans to walk down the aisle” due to constant arguments. Star magazine reported that they were “clashing over Jennifer’s career obsession, commitment issues and reluctance to have more children.”

A source for the magazine said, “David resents that she’s so consumed by work. He’s been pushing for baby number two, but Jennifer says she’s not ready and throws out a million excuses.”

Reportedly, the wedding was placed on hold because of his refusal to sign a prenuptial agreement.

So they’re not clashing over babies and their wedding is still on! I’m sure she’ll look great in her wedding dress!

Photo Credit: Fame Pictures

Jennifer Hudson has come a long way since appearing as a contestant on American Idol. She has appeared in Dreamgirls, for which she won an Oscar and has lost a lot of weight. Girlfriend looks good!

Still, she isn’t able to secure a book deal where she would be able to chronicle her weight loss success. What?!? I’d totally read that. Come on, she’s the national spokeswoman for the amount of weight she’s lost and how good she looks.

She famously dropped more than 80 pounds as a rep for Weight Watchers, but she can’t land a book deal for seven figures. You would think someone would want to capitalize on her excellent image….right?

Apparently, she’s demanding a cool million for her weight loss memoirs, but publishers are holding out for the story of her slain family. In October 2008, her mother, brother and nephew were horrifically murdered by her brother-in-law, allegedly.

A source said, “It was disappointing. Her book about her diet is really appealing and wonderful. But if you spend a lot of money on the book deal, you want it to sell. With no talk of her family, we didn’t think it was worth it.”

Jennifer revealed that people are talking about her weight loss, saying, “Oh goodness, yes, people are gossiping.”

She went on to reveal, “But trust me, I’m content right here. I don’t believe in the so-skinny look. There’s already so many more doors open for me. Why would I? My diet started four days after I had my baby. I didn’t expect to get as far as I have. It’s like, wow, this is a whole new world. People treat you completely differently. You get more attention. You get more clothes. You get on more magazine covers. You get more opportunities; you name it.”

Would you read a book by Jennifer on the topic of weight loss? Sound off in the comments!

Jennifer Hudson has really come a long way since being cast off on American Idol. She appeared in Dreamgirls, for which she won an Oscar and has since become the spokesperson for Weight Watchers. In the meantime, she has lost a lot of weight and she looks great!

Still, her fiancee, David Otunga, says that he doesn’t think she should lose any more weight. She said, “I haven’t actually caught up with how I look. Some people don’t like it so much and tell me to stop. My fiancee tells me not to lose more – he likes me very basic, no makeup, no heels, no fuss. I think both of us are still struggling to come to terms with this new me. He’ll tell me not to dress up, but I tell him to get used to it.”

She went on to reveal that she’s happy with the size that she is. She added, “Honestly, I want to stay at this weight. I don’t want to lose any more. I’m more concerned with not losing more. If I stick with the Weight Watchers plan then I’ll have no problem. I think I’ll be this size for the rest of my life.”

All we can say is, YOU GO GIRL!

Jennifer Hudson struck a pose on the red carpet tonight at the 2011 Grammy Awards! Girlfriend is looking good!

Good for her! She is so thin now, I hope she’s at least eating healthy! Go girl!!!!!!

Cheryl Cole set for Jonathan Ross interview – Amy Grindhouse

Video fix: Ke$ha says “Blah Blah Blah” – Popbytes

Britney Spears saves lives – Poor Britney

Prince & Blanket Jackson practice their karate – Celeb Dirty Laundry

Video: Whitney Houston’s Brisbane performance – Celebrity Smack

Matthew Fox’s sex scandal – Hollywood Dame

George Clooney is NOT leaving Italy! – Busy Bee Blogger

Angelina Jolie to play Kay Scarpetta in action franchise? – Dipped In Cream

OctoMom gets delusional on The View – Daily Stab

Sarah Jessica Parker reveals new SATC scent! – Gossips Anonymous

Kristen Stewart needs to put some clothes on! – Celebrity Hot Sauce

Jennifer Hudson’s “Got Milk?” ad has been unveiled today and she’s bringing back the mullet!

Seriously, she looks great! And I must have those earrings!!

Jennifer Hudson has got a huge baby bump!

And to think she was trying to hide that??

Her belly is so cute! Congratulations to Jennifer and fiancee David Otunga. She is rumored to be around seven months along with their first child.

Click here for more photos!

Rumors were swirling around the internet about Jennifer Hudson being pregnant, and we just might have the scoop.

A long-time friend, Felicia Fields, said, “It was a baby shower, a quiet gathering of friends and mostly family. They’re really trying to keep it kind of quiet.”

It was speculated about a month ago whether or not the singer is pregnant, but her publicist and manager both denied the rumors.

Fields added, “It was a nice time that we had” and when speaking of what baby colors the happy couple were into, she said, “They don’t know. More yellow.”

Reportedly, Jennifer Hudson is pregnant.

Sources close to the singer/actress confirmed the news that J Hud and her fiance David Otunga are expecting their first child together. We haven’t received an official confirmation just yet, but we’re hearing that the couple are planning on getting married as soon as Hudson is finished touring.

Congratulations to them!

Image Credit: Bauer-Griffin

Jennifer Hudson and Jennifer Holliday stunned the crowd in Atlanta yesterday, doing a duet of “And I’m Telling You I’m Not Going”.

Amazing!

The 2009 Grammy Awards were in full effect tonight and U2 opened the show with their new song, “Get On Your Boots”.

Whitney Houston was on stage to present the Best R&B Album Award. She looked good and thanked “visionary”, Clive Davis.

Best R&B Album – Jennifer Hudson

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson was on stage, acting like a dork, talking about Katy Perry’s song, “I Kissed A Girl”. He also told us of all of the people who would be performing tonight. The Rock is no comedian and he told a joke that really fell flat in Katy’s face.

Justin Timberlake took the stage and discussed Al Green’s music. Everyone is trying to be a comedian tonight and it’s not going over well. He introduced Boys 2 Men, Keith Urban, and Al Green, who all performed together, along with Justin. This performance is good, but the audio seems rather poor quality.

Image Credit: Kid Moxie – Flickr via Creative Commons

Jennifer Hudson did a heck of a job singing the national anthem at yesterday’s Superbowl. It’s just been revealed that her performance was lip-sync’d.

The show’s producer, Ricky Minor said that he requested that Jennifer lip-sync her performance because any slight glitch would’ve ruined the show.

Yesterday marked Jennifer’s first time performing since her family was gunned down. I’d have to worry that being in front of so many people after being out of the spotlight a little while, that I’d make a mistake or something. She still did a great job, though.

Your thoughts?

Image Credit: Bauer-Griffin

Jennifer Hudson performed at yesterday’s Superbowl for the first time since the brutal murders of her mother, brother, and nephew.

Here’s her performance of the national anthem at yesterday’s game:

What do you think of her performance?

Image Credit: Bauer-Griffin

It’s been confirmed that Jennifer Hudson will be performing at the Grammys on February 8th. She was nominated for four Grammys for her self-titled debut album.

This will be Jennifer’s second appearance in the spotlight since the murders of her mother, brother, and nephew. She’s also slated to sing the national anthem at the Super Bowl on February 1st, in Tampa, Florida.

Take your time, Jennifer, the world will wait until you’re ready.

Image Credit: Bauer-Griffin

[Image Credit: Newscom]

Prosecutors involved in the Hudson/Donerson murders are saying that William Balfour’s wife (at the time) Julia Hudson was celebrating turning 31-years-old on October 23rd. The next morning, William showed up at the home shared by Julia, her mother Darnell, brother Jason, and nephew Julian. He apparently spotted a gift that he believed to have come from another man. Prosecutors believe that the jealousy in itself caused him to come back later on that day and murder Julia’s mother, brother, and son.

The physical evidence in the case resides with gun residue found in Balfour’s car, meaning that he fired a weapon. Earlier in October, it was said that Julia was rumored to have been dating another man and threatened her family. She didn’t believe his threats because he previously threatened her family and nothing came from it.

Julia is still in grieving mode and has canceled a previously scheduled video shoot for It Isn’t Love. This would’ve been the first work-related thing she’s done since the deaths of her family.

We’ll wait for you to be ready, Jennifer. Just take your time and make sure you can handle everything okay. We’re pulling for ya.

[Image Credit: Newscom]

Up until earlier today, William Balfour was being held as a “person of interest” in the murders of Jennifer Hudson’s mother, brother, and nephew. Today, police have arrested Balfour at Stateville Correctional Center and was released to detectives to await formal charges in the murder cases.

I hope they have sufficient evidence to keep him locked up. And while I’m sure this doesn’t ease the pain for Jennifer, maybe it will help her on her road to healing from this horrible tragedy.

[Image Credit: Newscom]

Jennifer Hudson has experienced the most terrible loss that anyone could possibly ever imagine.

She has spoken out about the tragedy that surrounded her family on her Myspace page.

She says:

Thank You All

I want to thank each and every one of you for your thoughts and prayers during
this difficult time. My sister and I take great comfort and strength from your
love and concern.jhud

I hope she’s finding her way in the midst of this terrible time. My heart goes out to her and her family.

[Image Credit: Amazon]

Jennifer Hudson has said goodbye to her mother, brother, and nephew at their funeral service in Chicago yesterday.

It was such a sad tragedy, her mother and brother were shot on October 24th and the body of her nephew, Julian King, was found three days later in an abandoned SUV.

Friends and family of the singer’s family showed up, holding their tickets for admittance at the invitation only service held at the Apostolic Church of God yesterday. Fans of Jennifer’s showed up to also pay their respects.

Fantasia Barrino was also a guest and she sang the gospel song, Your Grace and Mercy.

May they rest in peace. Our condolences to the family in this very hard time. I can’t imagine what Jennifer is going through right now.