No one can possibly imagine what Jennifer Hudson is going through after the horrifying loss of her relatives, but the "American Idol" contestant-turned-Oscar winner is in the thoughts of her former co-stars.
While friends and family mourn the loss of Hudson's mother, brother and young nephew, both Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul, who worked with the singer when she launched her career, have sent her messages of support, as has one of her fellow contestants, Jon Peter Lewis.
"This is a horrific tragedy, and my thoughts and prayers go out to Jennifer and her entire family," said Paula Abdul in a statement on Monday. "The time I had to get to know Jennifer and forge a wonderful friendship with her while she was on Idol was very special to me, and I personally can't imagine a greater loss for any family."
Simon Cowell released his own statement after police confirmed on Monday that the body of a young boy, who was found shot in the head, belonged to Hudson's 7-year-old nephew Julian King, who had disappeared from home on Friday, when Hudson's mother and brother were brutally killed.
"I was horrified when I heard the news. This is an appalling tragedy. My thoughts right now are with Jennifer, and her family," Cowell told Extra.
"My heart, my prayers and love go out to Jennifer and her family," LaToya London, who placed fourth on the same season of "American Idol," told Access Hollywood. "I will constantly keep them in my prayers. Jennifer, stay strong."
Upon learning of the tragic deaths on Friday, another former "Idol" contestant Jon Peter Lewis sent his thoughts and prayers to Hudson, "I am so bereft of words, just how shocking this is … how senseless and heartbreaking," he told People. Lewis and Hudson became friends during the 2004 competition when both advanced to the top 12. They later traveled the country on the "American Idol" summer tour.
Even Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama, who shares the same Chicago hometown as Hudson, expressed his condolences saying he and his wife were "heartbroken to learn about this unimaginable tragedy."
"We want Jennifer to know that she is in our thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time," the Illinois senator was quoted by People as saying. In August, Hudson fulfilled a personal request from Obama's camp to sing the national anthem during the Democratic National Convention.
Upon the recent turn of events, the "Dreamgirls" stage has also gone dark. Out of respect for Hudson, casting for the show’s upcoming national tour has been postponed.
"Our prayers and thoughts are with Ms. Hudson and her family at this tragic time," producer John Breglio said Monday.
It sounds like the singer has a lot of friends in her corner right now, which is good, as she will need them to help her get through this senseless tragedy. For now, it appears that the actress/singer, who was about to release her first solo CD, has put her career on hold to support her family.
Meanwhile, it has been reported that around 100 people have gathered for a candlelight vigil outside the Englewood neighborhood family home of Hudson's family Monday, October 27 to grief the tragedy happened to her family.
While friends and family mourn the loss of Hudson's mother, brother and young nephew, both Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul, who worked with the singer when she launched her career, have sent her messages of support, as has one of her fellow contestants, Jon Peter Lewis.
"This is a horrific tragedy, and my thoughts and prayers go out to Jennifer and her entire family," said Paula Abdul in a statement on Monday. "The time I had to get to know Jennifer and forge a wonderful friendship with her while she was on Idol was very special to me, and I personally can't imagine a greater loss for any family."
Simon Cowell released his own statement after police confirmed on Monday that the body of a young boy, who was found shot in the head, belonged to Hudson's 7-year-old nephew Julian King, who had disappeared from home on Friday, when Hudson's mother and brother were brutally killed.
"I was horrified when I heard the news. This is an appalling tragedy. My thoughts right now are with Jennifer, and her family," Cowell told Extra.
Speaking to Access Hollywood, one of Hudson's castmate on "American Idol," Diana DeGarmo, who finished second on the show's third season, said she was "completely shocked and stunned" to learn about the loss of her mother and brother with whom she had a very close relationship. "Jennifer always spoke about her mom, how close they were and how much of a ‘big sister’ role her mom played in her life," DeGarmo added.
"My heart, my prayers and love go out to Jennifer and her family," LaToya London, who placed fourth on the same season of "American Idol," told Access Hollywood. "I will constantly keep them in my prayers. Jennifer, stay strong."
Upon learning of the tragic deaths on Friday, another former "Idol" contestant Jon Peter Lewis sent his thoughts and prayers to Hudson, "I am so bereft of words, just how shocking this is … how senseless and heartbreaking," he told People. Lewis and Hudson became friends during the 2004 competition when both advanced to the top 12. They later traveled the country on the "American Idol" summer tour.
Even Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama, who shares the same Chicago hometown as Hudson, expressed his condolences saying he and his wife were "heartbroken to learn about this unimaginable tragedy."
"We want Jennifer to know that she is in our thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time," the Illinois senator was quoted by People as saying. In August, Hudson fulfilled a personal request from Obama's camp to sing the national anthem during the Democratic National Convention.
Upon the recent turn of events, the "Dreamgirls" stage has also gone dark. Out of respect for Hudson, casting for the show’s upcoming national tour has been postponed.
"Our prayers and thoughts are with Ms. Hudson and her family at this tragic time," producer John Breglio said Monday.
It sounds like the singer has a lot of friends in her corner right now, which is good, as she will need them to help her get through this senseless tragedy. For now, it appears that the actress/singer, who was about to release her first solo CD, has put her career on hold to support her family.
Meanwhile, it has been reported that around 100 people have gathered for a candlelight vigil outside the Englewood neighborhood family home of Hudson's family Monday, October 27 to grief the tragedy happened to her family.
