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’s 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’s 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.â€
“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.â€
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 Soâ€: 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’s not Travis’ distinctive voice you’re hearing. The story on this one is that she left and now she’s pleading to come back, wondering if he’ll accept her apology or tell her, “I told you you’d do this, but it’s too damn late.â€
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?â€
Cyrus didn’t confirm she is with the handsome 20-year-old, but when asked if she is allowed to date Gaston, she answered in the affirmative.
My sincere condolences to Jennifer and her family. I cannot imagine what she must be going through, let alone having to go through it in the public eye. God Bless.
Wooohooo!! Crush is Number 1 yet again on the Vh1 Video Countdown for the 3rd week in a row!!!
You can watch a clip of the host doing this intro for the No. 1 video at the link below…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1iVusnd4LWs
More crazy videos from yesterday´s game… Ammy one of the Snarkies that were at the game tells how her jeans were ripped off during the stampede:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTpbhboroUo
Nothing reminds me to celebrate the sales of a pop tune like a double homicide.
^?????????????
What happened last night is horrifying, but we’re still going to carry on with other Idol news.
I’ll be deleting further responses to this subject. No arguments today, please.
My heart and prayers go out to Jennifer and her family. I pray they find her nephew unharmed….poor, poor child.
I’ve always been so proud of everything that Jennifer has been able to accomplish. This news is just so sad. My deepest condolences to Jennifer and her family.
15 year old Miley dating the 20 year old, with her parents permission, just creeps me out. That 5 year difference won’t mean much in a few years, but for now, it like dog years, IMO.
Jamie Lynn - Part 2. *sigh*
That Archie stampede was scary. I guess the kids forgot that a game was going on and just left to chase after Archie after he sang. Three weeks at #1 on VH1 is pretty cool. Congrats.
I’m so sad for Jennifer Hudson and her family. I hope that the police find and save her nephew so that he can be returned safe and sound to his family.
Jason fans, he posted 2 MySpace bulletins, changed his MySpace layout and added 15 new pictures to his MySpace since he got back from California yesterday. Check them out.
I am so so sad for Jennifer Hudson and her family. Sadly this happens way too often in our world.
It just seems really, really wrong, doesn’t it? What would a 20 year old see in a 15 year old? Wait. Don’t answer that…
The publicity isn’t hurting the boy. That’s probably it.
Miley and that 20-yr old is bad judgement on both their parts, but the squickiest part is that her parents seem to be TOTALLY OKAY with this. And if he’s really sleeping at their house, well LOL…
She’s fifteen years old! Ugh. Way to parent, guys. Jamie Lynn? Lindsay? Hello?
A publication called Her Life Magazine has an interview with David Cook’s mom, Beth Foraker, this month. This is the link to the article, but apparently fans crashed the site last night, and it’s not back up yet.
http://www.herlifemagazine.com/images/pdf/HerLife_11-08.pdf
Someone posted the content of the article at Live Journal (scroll down below the photos:
http://community.livejournal.com/davidcookai7/659282.html
It’s a really great interview, lots of new info. They really seem to be a well-adjusted, tight-knit family.
ETA: These are links to scans of the article, courtesy of Marcia at DCO:
http://photos-g.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v363/79/25/1560917254/n15…
http://photos-h.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v363/79/25/1560917254/n15…
http://photos-a.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v363/79/25/1560917254/n15…
http://photos-b.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v363/79/25/1560917254/n15…
Wait…Miley and the 20 year old are supposedly co-habitating at her house??!! Has Billy Ray lost his mind?
The fact that he is so cool with his minor daughter dating a grown man just blows me away. Unbelieveable.
That interview with DC’s mom is great. That seems like a really good, well-adjusted family.
That interview with DC’s mom is just lovely. I found it very interesting that she was so honest about the way Andrew initially felt about being turned down for Idol.
The Miley thing stuns me. When I was 16 a friend of my brothers had asked me out and he was 21, my brother and father told him they would have his head on a platter LOL And that was a DATE. I’m trying to imagine how I would react to my now teenage daughter having a guy living in our house.
These are nice, trade ads for Light On
Radio Informer
Another found on Ebay Does anyone remember where that NY Times quote came from that’s mentioned on there? When that came out?
CathyMK, I can’t seem to see the scans you posted, am I the only one who’s having problems?
I read the transcript, though, and I just have to say, DC’s mom is an amazing woman. Her values reflect in her sons, but hearing more about her own life was fascinating. Thank you for bringing that over.
I’ll try again with the scans-
http://photos-g.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v363/79/25/1560917254/n1560917254_45254_7350.jpg
http://photos-h.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v363/79/25/1560917254/n1560917254_45255_7800.jpg
http://photos-a.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v363/79/25/1560917254/n1560917254_45256_8211.jpg
http://photos-b.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sf2p/v363/79/25/1560917254/n1560917254_45257_8599.jpg
If this doesn’t work, it’s beyond my very limited skills to fix. I found them on this page, but because of the way DCO is set up they won’t stay on the same page (I think!).
http://www.davidcookofficial.com/content/beautiful-articleinterview-about-beth
The Miley thing stuns me also. Maybe I am missing something, but isn’t that illegal for a minor to be dating/having a relationship with an adult? How can the parents condone that? What awful role models they are to their children, and to all the Miley fans who are impressionable young fans. Just awful. I am surprised that the Disney name puts up with that.
^I don´t know much about laws, but I think is againts the law to “have sex with the minor”, not date him or her… still that her parents let him live in the same house is awful…
This story about Miley with the 20 year old is a recipe for disaster for the Cyrus family and for the 20 year old. What are they thinking? Just as you say, Mac, this is illegal for her to be sleeping with a guy that old. If she gets pregnant, he can be prosecuted, as well as her dad for approving of it and helping it along. I wonder if Miley is trying to get rid of her Disney image, and the guy is using her for notariety and money? Sad.
I can’t imagine what Jennifer is going through today.
Congrats to David Archuleta again for VH1. Also, congrats to David Cook for scoring SNL. That should be a nice boost for him.
^You dont believe that they are really let it them “sleep together”…I mean giving him permission to live in the same house is one thing… let them have sex in the next room is just bad…
Cruzceleste- I kind of feel like if they are living in the same house, they are probably sleeping together. I do very much believe that people can choose to wait until they are married, but I haven’t seen that Miley has been brought up that way and living in the same house…??.
Well my 10 year old daughter has been telling me for months that Miley is not what she seems. (How does she know? I have no idea.) But she does however constantly talk with me about the sweetness and purity of the Jonas Brothers - lol! She wants Jonas Bros songs to chart above Miley songs on the Disney countdown and becomes a little upset when Miley beats them out. I’ve been telling her she says all those things about Miley because she’s mad at her for beating out the JoBros on the countdown. Do I have to apologize to my daughter and tell her she was right????? Say it aint so!
Thanks for the article about David’s mom CathyMK! It’s so easy to understand why David and Andrew are such great guys.
Sorry, but you have to Lu!
It is amazing how good kids intuitions can be sometimes. Not a fan of either Miley or JoBros, but at least the JoBros appear to be good role models. I think that is important.
I think Billy Ray (Uggh!) is probably afraid to say no to his daughter in fear that she may cut him off. His only claim to fame has been because of his daughter’s name. Oh wait, he did have Achey Breaky Heart!
Thank you, CathyMK, the links worked great the 2nd time around! What lovely pics of Beth! Way to go, David’s mom!
Oh, I have no clue if this is news (way way out of the loop), but appearantly WalMart has an exclusive track for David’s album, and it’s called “Breathe Tonight”.
So excited about this album, I cannot wait! :-D
The murder of Jen’s family has me totally saddened. When I was 17 my favorite aunt was murdered and the person was never caught. It has haunted me all my life. I pray they find her nephew. It disgusts me that this whole thing could be over an effing car? I mean nothing justifies murder, but damn, let it be something more than greed. Eh…..just can’t wrap my brain around how she must feel.
On the Miley front I don’t give a crap if my kid is calling the shots but there is no way I am gonna let some twenty year old screw my kid, must less my 15 year old in my damn house! I don’t allow sleepovers period when the opposite sex is concerned. I am truly hoping this is all some odd publicity stunt. What the hell is this world coming to?
The mild anarchy at the high school with David will just help build the mythology if this is how it starts with him, causing the young girls to go wild, that is not a bad thing. I do agree that when it comes to personal appearances, he needs more protection. He doesn’t seem to want or need it so far when he’s off duty so to speak. I hope that continues for him at least for a little while.
Mj, you’re awesome, that is all I have to say. You rule! LOL!
Cook or Archuleta???
If I had spoken to an adult that way when I was 15 (or 16, or 17) my parents would have grounded me for a month. That response is all kinds of icky, and for a variety of reasons.
Interesting about WalMart having the exclusive “Breathe Tonight” track. I looked at their track listing, and “Breathe Tonight” is #12, with no “A Daily AntheM.” Amazon has both “A Daily AntheM” as #12 and then TOML is their bonus track, while iTunes lists “A Daily AntheM” as #12, TOML as #13 and “My Last Request” as the bonus, 14th track.
I don’t get any of it! lol
Here’s the WalMart link.
Wasn’t “Breathe Tonight” the song mentioned in the recent Rolling Stone article about the album?
I was just looking at TMZ reading up on the Jennifer stories and, well I think it’s safe to say Billy Ray isn’t the only celebrity father I’m scratching my head over. Is everyone going nuts??
I have a hard copy or the RS article in front of me. The song they mentioned was “Breathe Right”. Perhaps either RS or Wal-mart got the title wrong.
I hope it ’s same song, because it sounded pretty awesome in the RS article
I hope this can be purchased or pre-ordered in the store as not to pay shipping!!! I guess I’ll be visiting my local Wal_mart soon to find out.
Cookie. Sorry if that wasn’t clear.
I think that’s probably a mistake. I don’t think they can take album tracks off, only add bonus ones… At least that’s what would make sense to me. I hope they fix the listing soon, guess it should look like the iTunes one, except with a different bonus track.
Which, by the way, YAY!
The NYT quotes are from right after the finale. It’s a wonderful article.
I really take what the Enquirer has to report with a grain of salt. Seems like every media can’t wait to publish degative stuff about celebrities. Miley I believe turned 16 this month or will in several weeks. I feel her parents aren’t letting her sleep with this guy. They are religious folks and want to keep their daughter safe and in show business. I enjoyed the article about David’s mom and brother some was news most I’d heard before. I quess I’m nosey but I’d like to hear about his Dad also as I think the boys spent summers and some holidays in Indiana with their Dad and step-mom and Adam, where they have lots of relatives on both sides. His Dad played the guitar so maybe he’s the music influence. Maybe David will write a book and then we’ll find out.
Jojosie, I’m not sure what to think about Miley. My daughter who is ten must be protected from some certain worldviews (I homeschool my children) since she still loves her and wants to sing someday. She knows about the elections etc., and certain things in the world, but doesn’t realize that Miley’s boyfriend is in her home. We would never do something like this, unless their were extenuating circumstances (which the media may not be reporting.) So, I agree with what you’re saying about taking this with a grain of salt.
I also would love to hear about David’s dad, and his and (of course) Adam’s influence in his life/music. It does seem as if the musical influence came from his dad. IMO.
Having said that, I admire David’s mom and what she has done to raise these boys to be respectable men. This article is wonderful!!!!!
Thank you CathyMK for posting.!!!!