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Barack Obama offers Jennifer Hudson support while nephew remains missing

October 26th, 2008 by Scott Marks

Julia Hudson

Julia Hudson

UPDATE:

Jennifer Hudson posted a letter on her MySpace page asking for the public’s help and prayers. She wrote:

Thank You All

Thank you all for your prayers and your calls. Please keep praying for our family and that we get Julian King back home safely. If anyone has any information about his whereabouts please contact the authorities immediately. Here is a picture of Julian and what he was last seen wearing. Once again thank you all for being there for us through this tough time.

Sincerely,
The Hudson Family

The Associated Press is also reporting, “Jennifer Hudson and her family offered a $100,000 reward Sunday for the safe return of her missing nephew.”

Fellow Chicagoan Barack Obama sent his prayers and well wishes to Jennifer Hudson whose mother and brother were shot and killed Friday.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Obama said, “”Michelle and I were absolutely heartbroken to learn about this unimaginable tragedy and we want Jennifer to know that she is in our thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.”

At Sen. Obama’s personal request, Hudson sang the national anthem during the Democratic National Convention in August. Hudson told People magazine, “That was the biggest honor, I feel like, in my career – one of the greatest moments. I had to separate myself emotionally so I didn’t get too emotional while I was singing because I can’t sing and cry at the same time…. I was lucky to be a part of it.”

Sen. Obama also offered support for Ms. Hudson’s 7-year-old nephew Julian King who has been missing since Friday. “We also pray for the swift and safe return of her young nephew,” Sen. Obama said.

At a a press conference held at the Pleasant Gift Missionary Baptist Church on Saturday, Ms. Hudson’s sister Julia said, “I don’t care who you are, just let the baby go. I just want my son. He don’t deserve this.”

People reports, “With the boy’s father, Greg King, by her side, Julia Hudson asked the public to keep an eye out for him, mentioning that he responds to nicknames like ‘Juice Box’ and ‘Dr. King.’ “He’s out there. Just let him go,” she said. Addressing her son, she added: “I love you. Mama’s looking for you.”

Julia Hudson, Jennifer Hudson, Darnell Donerson and Julian King.

Continue reading Barack Obama offers Jennifer Hudson support while nephew remains missing

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Filed Under News

AMERICAN IDOL adds Kara DioGuardi to its panel of judges

August 25th, 2008 by Scott Marks

Kara DioGuardi

Just as my annual withdrawal symptoms from American Idol appear to have subsided, news comes that the show’s producers are going to fix what isn’t broken by adding a fourth judge.

When season 8 kicks off next January, look for Grammy-nominated songwriter Kara DioGuardi to get her own gigantic Coca-Cola cup as she takes a seat alongside Simon, Paula and Randy on the judges’ panel. In a statement, Mike Darnell, Fox’s president of alternative programming said, “For the past seven seasons, Paula has had to endure the experience of being the only woman at the judges’ table.”

Gender notwithstanding, Abdul is clearly the dopiest of the three judges. She makes Randy’s banter about the “dog pound” and his constant use of the word “pitchy” look pithy. Apart from the audition phase, where America looks for its next William Hung, Abdul’s slurred line readings, hackneyed advice and verbal bouts with Simon are invariably more entertaining than any of the contestants vocal skills.

“With Kara by her side, Paula has some backup and now there is going to be a lot more `girl power’ on the show,” Darnell said. WOOOOOOOO! GIRL POWER! WOOOOOO! Give the goddamned simple-minded sloganizing a rest already!

“We are turning the heat up on Idol this year and are thrilled to welcome Kara to the judges’ table,” said creator and executive producer Simon Fuller in a statement. “She is a smart, sassy lady, and one of America’s most successful songwriters. We know she will bring a new level of energy and excitement to the show.”

Turning up the heat or desperately trying to win back viewers tired of the same-old same-old?

The extremely successful Ms. DioGuardi has written, produced and/or sang backup for Kelly Clarkson, Christina Aguilera, Celine Dion, Britney Spears, Pink, Miley Cyrus and the Pussycat Dolls. For me, the biggest news to come from this story is that someone actually writes the crap the Pussycat Dolls sing.

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Filed Under Gossip, News