Motherhood definitely seems to agree with Jennifer Hudson, who gave birth to her first child, David – named after her fiancé, David Otunga – on Aug. 10. “I love being nurturing and caring because I love to see other people happy,” says Hudson. “Who better to devote my time to than my own child?” From singing lullabies (”He can be crying at the top of his lungs and just turn off like a switch”) to frequent bottle-feedings (”I’ve never seen a baby eat like he does!”), the singer (who chose not to address the tragic loss of her family members last October) offers PEOPLE an intimate look into her new life as a mom.

Would you be supportive if he wants to pursue a career in entertainment?
“We’ll definitely encourage education. His father is an education fanatic so we definitely want him to get an education and go to school. My mom always said, ‘Whatever you want to do, I’ll support you as long as you’re happy.’ So I will do the same.”

He is so precious … mother and son look so adorably cute!! J. Hud did a great job of keeping her pregnancy underwraps, we didn’t know for sure she was pregs until about 2 months before her due date. With all the heartbreaking tragedy that Jennifer endured last year, I’m so happy to know that she and her growing family are doing fine. Little David Daniel is a darling … congrats again, J. Hud!!

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Dreamgirl Jennifer Hudson just met her little dream boy. Tragedy took a backseat as the Oscar winner and fiancé David Otunga welcomed David Daniel Otunga Jr. late Monday, E! News confirms. The tot weighed in at 7 pounds, 14 ounces. The 27-year-old former American Idol contestant never officially announced her pregnancy, although speculation began when she wore increasingly loose-fitting tops. In early June, her longtime friend Felicia Fields admitted to having attended Hudson’s gender-neutral baby shower in their hometown of Chicago. Hudson and Otunga decided to wait to find out the tyke’s sex until his birthday.

‘Tis true, there was no official confirmation about her pregnancy until word of a baby shower back in June made its way to the Internets. J. Hud suffered far too much tragedy already last year with the tragic loss of her mother, brother and nephew so I hope this birth brings her all the joy and happiness in the world. I wish the Hudson-Otunga family a long lifetime of bliss together … much, much love and congrats!!!

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His was a tumultuous life and a chaotic death, but Michael Jackson’s funeral and memorial Tuesday were orderly and celebratory, moving and bittersweet, as family, friends and fans around the world joined in lamenting the loss of the King of Pop. It was one of the most-watched celebrity sendoffs in history, telecast across multiple channels and streamed across the Internet. But the predicted traffic and crowd-control nightmares did not materialize. Thousands of police officers helped keep the ticketless crowd to a minimum — about 1,000 people vs. the 250,000 feared — and the motorcade with Jackson’s hearse encountered few problems traveling blocked-off freeways to downtown. The goodbye to Jackson started early with a private service for family and close friends at Forest Lawn in the Hollywood Hills. (A crash was heard as drivers slowed to watch the procession leave the cemetery). A star-crowded memorial program followed, at the downtown Staples Center, that was spiritual, smoothly entertaining and jubilantly roof-raising as Jackson was hailed as a superstar and humanitarian. “The King of Pop has gone to meet the King of Kings,” intoned the Rev. Lucious Smith, pastor of the Friendship Baptist Church in Pasadena. It was a day filled with touching moments, perhaps the most poignant when Jackson’s daughter, Paris, 11, took the microphone. “I just want to say ever since I was born, Daddy has been the best father you can ever imagine. And I just wanted to say I love him so much,” she said, breaking into tears. That followed two hours of farewell tributes from musicians, athletes and friends of Michael Joseph Jackson, who died suddenly June 25 at age 50. The crowd of 20,000 was alternately reverent and boisterous. They watched in solemn silence as the likes of Stevie Wonder, Lionel Richie and Mariah Carey sang sweetly, and older brother Jermaine crooned Smile, the theme from Charlie Chaplin’s classic film Modern Times. Usher sang Jackson’s sadly prescient Gone Too Soon as he caressed the golden casket spotlighted in front of the stage and draped in flowers. But when Kobe Bryant walked in, many jumped to their feet and started cheering and taking pictures; some reached over for high-fives. They cheered loud approval for the Rev. Al Sharpton’s fiery eulogy and laughed at a story Magic Johnson told about fried chicken. And they snapped photos with phones and rained shout-outs of “I love you, Michael!” during lulls … Other celebrities in the crowd: Cicely Tyson; P. Diddy; Rick, Kathy and Nicky Hilton; Lil Kim; Chris Brown; and Tatum O’Neal. Diana Ross and Nelson Mandela sent messages. Also absent: Jackson’s longtime pal Elizabeth Taylor, who said in a Twitter post she couldn’t bear to be part of the public hoopla, and Debbie Rowe, Jackson’s ex-wife and mother of Jackson’s two oldest children. Outside the Staples Center, the mood was festive. Vendors hawked T-shirts, buttons, photos and other memorabilia … As the memorial service ended, Jackson’s three children and eight siblings — his brothers were all wearing one beaded white glove in his honor — gathered onstage to say thanks. “We will never understand what he endured … being judged, ridiculed,” said brother Marlon, choking up. “Maybe, now, Michael, they will leave you alone.” The Rev. Smith closed by noting: “All around us are people of different cultures, different religions, different nationalities. And yet the music of Michael Jackson brings us together.” After the memorial, the family went to the Beverly Wilshire Hotel for a private reception. It was unclear whether Jackson’s casket would be returned to Forest Lawn for burial or taken to another final resting place.

I have to tell you that I was touched by the service more than I thought I would be. As I’ve tried to make clear, I’m not the biggest Michael Jackson fan in the world (there are plenty of uberfans all around the globe who are more fitting of that title than I) but I really wanted to pay respects to such an icon of pop culture. I didn’t count in being as affected by the memorial service as I was. Mariah Carey’s performance brought the first tears to my eyes … Brooke Shields’s eulogy brought them back. When Paris Michael Katherine, MJ’s 11 year old only daughter, spoke at the end of the service I absolutely burst out crying. There wasn’t a dry eye anywhere in our vicinity. Paris’s comments were so heartfelt, so honest … so raw. I’m sure it was difficult for most to keep from crying as she declared her love for her daddy. She said, “I just want to say… ever since I was born…. daddy has been the best father you can imagine. And I just want to say I love him so much.” In case you missed it, you can watch Paris’s short speech after the jump …

I realize that this clip has been played over and over again all day long yesterday and even today … but, for me, it was THE most touching and humanizing part of the entire memorial service. If you see anything from the service, it should be this:

A weekend baby shower in downtown Chicago confirmed what has long been rumored: Jennifer Hudson is pregnant. “It was a baby shower, a quiet gathering of friends and mostly family,” singer/actress Felicia Fields, a longtime Hudson friend, said of Saturday’s get-together in a relative’s home. “They’re really trying to keep it kind of quiet.” South Side native Hudson, the 27-year-old singing star who won the 2006 best supporting actress Oscar for “Dreamgirls,” is engaged to former reality TV star David Otunga, who’s currently pursuing a pro wrestling career. Hudson has said she no longer would live in Chicago after her mother, Darnell Donerson, brother Jason and nephew Julian King were found murdered in October, with William Balfour, the estranged husband of Jennifer’s sister Julia, charged with the crimes. Hudson recently finished a co-headlining concert tour with singer Robin Thicke, with an April 25 show at the Arie Crown Theatre. Her manager and publicist previously denied that she is pregnant. “It was a nice time that we had,” Fields said of the shower. She didn’t want to get into when the baby is due, but speculation is that Hudson is many months along—an impression bolstered by her appearance of late. As for whether Hudson received blue or pink gifts, Fields said, “They don’t know [the gender]. More yellow.”

I am so thrilled for her! Jennifer is such an amazing talented actress and singer, it is really great to know that she is enjoying some happy personal triumphs as well. I cannot image how difficult it must have been for her to deal with the sad loss of her family members but she has managed to solider thru the darkest time in her life and come out relatively happy on the other side. I wish her nothing but joyous happiness and lifelong bliss with her growing new family. Congrats!!

[Photo credit: Wireimage; Source]

Everyone was lookin’ their swanky best … Jennifer Hudson and Carrie Underwood looked lovely (tho, I preferred the dress that J. Hud changed into for her onstage performance) and Jesse McCartney looked crazed as he latched on to Paris Hilton’s teet for their odd photo op. Dunno what the kid was trying to accomplish but I hope he bathed afterward.

It turned out that Alison Krauss and Robert Plant were the big winners of the evening … along with Adele who took home the award for Best New Artist (edging out Duffy and the Jonas Brothers — thank God!). After the jump, check out some photos from the Grammy Press room of some of the winners with their trophies and find out who won what at last night’s affair …

Robert Plant and Alison Krauss were the big winners at the 51st annual Grammy Awards Sunday night. They won album of the year for Raising Sand; record of the year for their performance of the song “Please Read the Letter”; and three other honors. The duo upset rapper Lil Wayne and British rock band Coldplay; those artists had the best-selling albums of 2008. Lil Wayne took home three Grammys, including best rap album, and Coldplay also won three awards, including song of the year. The pairing of former Led Zeppelin singer Plant with bluegrass fiddler and singer Krauss turned out to be a surprise hit with critics and fans last year. The demure Krauss only spoke once during the Grammy telecast, when she and Plant accepted the album of the year award. “It’s been a wonderful time, and especially [with] Robert, there’s never a dull moment,” Krauss said. “I’d like to say I’m bewildered,” Plant added. “In the old days, we would have called this selling out. But I think it’s a good way to spend a Sunday.” It was an emotional Sunday for singer Jennifer Hudson. Less than four months ago, her mother, brother and nephew were murdered. The former American Idol contestant and Oscar winner fought back tears as she picked up her first Grammy — for best R&B album. “I first would like to thank God, who has brought me through. I would like to thank my family in heaven and those who are here today.” It was Hudson’s second public performance since the tragedy. She sang a week earlier at the Super Bowl. Unheard Controversy The Grammy ceremony was, for the most part, relentlessly upbeat. Members of Coldplay bounded onstage wearing blue, purple, green and red jackets to accept the song of the year award. But the song, “Viva La Vida,” is the subject of a copyright infringement lawsuit: In December, guitarist Joe Satriani filed suit in federal court alleging the band ripped off his 2004 instrumental, “If I Could Fly.” The suit generated a lot of coverage in the press and online, but Satriani may have a tough time proving his case. Some online music lovers have pointed out similarities between his tune and a 2002 release by the Argentine group Enanitos Verdes. Like the charges of musical plagiarism, the biggest news of the night went unmentioned during the telecast. Just as the ceremony was getting under way, the popular 19-year-old R&B singer Chris Brown was turning himself in to Los Angeles police for allegedly assaulting a woman early Sunday morning. Brown was scheduled to perform, as was his girlfriend, Rihanna, and both were nominated for Grammys. Neither won and both canceled — at the last minute. That led to a lot of speculation that Rihanna was the woman Brown assaulted. Los Angeles police declined to name the woman. Meanwhile Grammy organizers scrambled madly to fill their slots. The head of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, Neil Portnow, said the Grammys have never faced a situation like this. “Everybody has certain problems at times in their lives, things that you wish maybe didn’t happen, maybe you’re not proud of,” Portnow said. “I’m not a judgmental kind of an individual. I’m sorry they weren’t there for their moments on the stage. I think that’s the thing that is most unfortunate to me at the moment.” Los Angeles police say Brown was booked on suspicion of making a felony criminal threat and released after posting $50,000 bail.

UGH, it is *impossible* to talk about last night’s Grammys without the Chris Brown story getting a mention. In any event, I was pretty pleased with many of the winners … tho, I didn’t see that Plant/Krauss thing coming. I thought for sure that Coldplay would clean up … I’m kinda glad that they didn’t. I don’t really love them but I do enjoy that Viva La Vida song … but, I was not a fan of the way Coldplay ripped off the Wiggles with their very colorful outfits:

I’m just sayin’. And, it MUST be said that Katy Perry put on the WORST PERFORMANCE of the night:

I’m so over all of her hype, I’m glad that she didn’t win anything … she sounded horrible live in person and I’m ready for her bandwagon to jump the track and go away. Adele and Estelle, on the other hand, are amazing performers and I was THRILLED with their wins. Those ladies can sing and I’m happy they were rewarded for their talents.

David and I had such a great time and it was all due to the kind generosity of our friends at ABSOLUT Vodka … and as a result, I’d like to mention that ABSOLUT debuted a new commercial in relation to their In An ABSOLUT World campaign during last night’s Grammy Awards telecast — the first time the company has aired a commercial in primetime. In case you missed seeing it last night, here it is again:

A stunning-looking and strong-sounding Whitney Houston made a triumphant return to the stage at a pre-Grammy party honoring her mentor, music mogul Clive Davis. “I’ve got it, I’ve got it!” Houston, looking glamorous in a skintight leopard dress, sang early Sunday morning as she belted a line from one of her classic hits, “I’m Every Woman.” But more than a lyric, it summarized to the crowd of A-list superstars and top industry execs that the superstar — whose drug use and erratic behavior had caused a shocking fall from grace just a few years ago — was back in top form … Houston’s mini-concert put an exclamation point on a night that included a rousing performance by Kelly Clarkson, an unlikely but magical duet between Jennifer Hudson and Barry Manilow and a rambling monologue by Kanye West. “I have to bow in the presence of greats right now,” West said as he looked out into the crowd, which at one point included Sir Paul McCartney, Prince, Diddy, Rihanna, the Jonas Brothers, Taylor Swift, Quincy Jones, and other luminaries. “I’m just humbled by your greatness, and also Clive,” West told the audience. Davis, the music mogul who founded labels, signed greats ranging from Houston to Bruce Springsteen to Janis Joplin, and resuscitated the careers of veterans like Rod Stewart and Carlos Santana, was honored by the Recording Academy as an industry icon on Saturday, hours before Sunday’s Grammys. For nearly three decades, Davis’ pre-Grammy party and concert had become one of the industry’s most coveted invites; this year, the Recording Academy took the event over and honored Davis instead. But while Davis got an award, he still held court like it was his own party, acting as the evening’s host as he introduced performers like Stewart, the Kings of Leon and Leona Lewis. Diddy got the often staid crowd on their feet with a moving rendition of his tribute to the slain Notorious B.I.G., “I’ll Be Missing You,” with Biggie’s widow, singer Faith Evans, and a gospel choir. Clarkson got one of the evening’s biggest ovations with her performance of her new single, “My Life Would Suck Without You” and the Joplin gem “Piece of My Heart.” But Hudson was perhaps the night’s biggest star — until Houston hit the stage. Starting with the Super Bowl last Sunday, Hudson has been raising her profile after spending months in seclusion following the slayings of her mother, brother and nephew last October. A smiling Houston performed her hit “Spotlight,” which earned her one of her four Grammy nominations, and got a standing ovation from the crowd. But she raised the bar with a pairing with Barry Manilow, injecting one of his signature songs, “Weekend in New England,” with a lacking ingredient — soul. Afterward, the Oscar-winner joined the audience (and friend Fantasia), stood in the front and danced and sang as Houston performed. Houston started off with “I Will Always Love You,” but didn’t hit the high, sustaining notes that made the song such a dramatic, stirring hit. Instead, she kept her voice at medium power, deciding to croon rather than soar. But as she got into hits like “It’s Not Right, But It’s O.K.,” her voice appeared to get stronger — and louder, and while she never replicated the vocal gymnastics of some of her past work, delivered a mesmerizing performance nonetheless. The 45-year-old, one of the best-selling artists of all time and among the greatest singers, hasn’t made an album since 2002. Then she was was sinking due to drug use and a tumultuous personal life — a far cry from the princess image she cultivated since her debut in the 1980s. But the singer is expected to release an album sometime this year, and unlike other reported returns, this comeback seems to be the real deal. “She was on it, she was happy — she’s back,” said Foxx. “Everybody else watch out.”

This Grammy Awards Salute to Icons affair sounded like a night to remember. I cannot even fathom what it must be like to be in presence of so much talent all in one room. The fact that even Kanye West was humbled, well, that should tell you something. After the jump, check out a bunch of photos that range from the performance stage to the interaction in the audience …

Wow … Jennifer Hudson, Kelly Clarkson, Leona Lewis AND Whitney Houston? Clive really has the magic touch and knows how to cultivate talent and make it flourish. I’m not sure there are many more ways to honor Clive Davis anymore … but this annual event that culls together the richest talent and most amazing voices in tribute to him, well, that sounds like a pretty sweet way to honor him. I must say, tho, that I’m bummed that Britney Spears didn’t attend … it was reported that she would be in attendance. Ah well, I guess Clive Davis can’t have it all. In any regard, congrats Clive!!

[Photo credit: Splash News, Wireimage; Source]

Singer Jennifer Hudson made a triumphant return to the spotlight last night when she performed the U.S. national anthem at the Super Bowl in Tampa, Florida. It was the 27-year-old’s first appearance since her mother, brother and nephew were murdered in October. Hudson looked composed and confident as she launched into the Star Spangled Banner in front of an 80,000 crowd in the Tampa stadium and a TV audience of more than a billion … Last night at the end of her performance, she anxiously asked the pre-game show producer Rickey Minor: “How did I do?” “I told her ‘Touchdown!’” Minor said after the performance. “This was such an important performance, because it’s the first time everyone has seen Jennifer. But she’s in such a great place, with such great spirits and time can heal her wounds. She’s on fire right now and totally grounded.” Minor, the music director for American Idol, has produced numerous Super Bowl pre-game performances, including Whitney Houston’s 1991 anthem in Tampa that’s considered the benchmark for singers. He added that Hudson’s two cell phones lit up ‘like slot machines’ following her performance, and she received a moving text message from Jamie Foxx, her co-star in Dreamgirls. “His text said ‘Amazing. It brought tears to my eyes,’” Minor said. “She’s just getting so much love.”

The lip syncing ain’t no thang … Whitney Houston did it when she performed at the SuperBowl back in the early 90s and her rendition became a huge hit at the time (due to the US’s involvement in the first Gulf War, patriotism very rampant). In fact, many performances at such high profile events are pre-recorded. I didn’t get to see the game myself (moving and all) but I did make time to watch J. Hud’s performance. After the jump, check out video of her performance of the Star Spangled Banner …

As you know, Jennifer Hudson has been asked to perform the National Anthem at the start of the game Sunday so I’m sure she wants to be in town to get some practice in. SuperBowls always come with hugh parties and lots of social events in the days leading up to the game … mebbe J. Hud is planning to let her hair down and party with some friends. I really hope she has an amazing weekend in Tampa, she really deserves it. I can’t wait to hear her belt out the Star Spangled Banner come Sunday.

[Photo credit: INFdaily]

As you may or may not already know, J. Hud’s self-titled debut album received four Grammy nominations including one for Best R&B Album. I understand that this new music video will debut the week of February 9. After the jump, check out a couple other photos of Jennifer on the set of her music video …

According to US Weekly, the video was scheduled to be filmed late last year but had to be postponed due to her sad family circumstance. I am very happy to see that Jennifer Hudson is slowly getting her life back on track. I cannot imagine the fortitude it takes to recover from such a tragic loss but I am a big fan of her talent and I am happy to know that she is ready to share her gift with us again. Welcome back, J. Hud.

[Photo credit: Annamaria DiSanto; Source]

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

And, about her Gap ad: Jennifer Hudson continues to mourn her family tragedy. Still, the Gap has just launched its new holiday ad campaign, which features a cheery photo of Hudson smiling and wearing a bright red sweater. While the timing may seem inappropriate, a rep for the clothing-store giant assures us that Hudson has given her blessing to use the image. Hudson was given the option to back out, according to Gap spokesperson Olive Doyne. “She said she wanted to be a part of it and that we should move forward,” Doyne says. Hudson was photographed for the ad by Michael Thompson back in July in New York City. The ad, which includes the tagline “Shine Your Own Star,” can be seen in magazines and newspapers and on billboards in New York and Los Angeles.

While I am sure that Jennifer and the entire Hudson family are far from totally healed from their loss, I am very happy to hear that she appears to be doing a little bit better considering … I just love J. Hud and I am so sorry for her loss. I hope that she continues to heal, especially thru the coming holiday season. Again, while I cannot imagine what she is going thru, I hope that the love and support of her fans will continue to be of solace to her as she needs it.

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