Sources say that singer/actress Jennifer Hudson is eager to get back to what she loves most: performing. Hudson has spent the last four months dealing with the aftermath of the senseless murder of three family members: her mother, brother, and young nephew. At one point, she even had to go into hiding until police could confirm that there were no other suspects involved in the killing other than her estranged brother in law, William Balfour, who recently pled not guilty at his arraignment on murder charges. But Jennifer is focusing on work in the new year, hoping it will help her heal.
After dropping out of the public eye following her family murder tragedy, Jennifer Hudson now has the strength and the will to give three high-profile performances next month, a source close to her tells PEOPLE.
“So much has happened, but she’s ready,” the source says. “It’s a new year, she’s excited about performing again. She knew it was time.”
Hudson, 27, will deliver the National Anthem at the Super Bowl on Feb. 1, then sing at the MusiCares Person of the Year Gala Feb. 6 and at the Grammys two days later.
The performances will be the first since her mother, brother and nephew were murdered in the fall. Her estranged brother-in-law has pleaded innocent to the killings.
The source close to the Grammy-nominated Hudson says “there wasn’t really a moment” that she decided to perform again, but, that “fans can expect the Jennifer they’ve come to love. She just really loves to perform; it’s who she is, it’s what she does.”
The source adds: “I just admire her strength. Not many people could go through all that’s happened and shown the strength she has.”
A lot of people will be rooting for Jennifer as she takes the stage to sing the national anthem at the Super Bowl this weekend. She’s had some practice with the song- she sang it at the Democratic National Convention earlier this year and did an outstanding job. I hope she nails her performance – although I’m sure it will not be easy after everything that’s happened. Since her days on “American Idol,” Jennifer has always been an emotional performer who wears her heart on her sleeve, so I expect nothing less this time around. Even if she bursts into tears, she can’t do any worse than fellow Idol Jordin Sparks did last year – she was boring and cheesy as hell! I don’t think I can stand one more singer showing off by going up an octave on the word “free” – it’s become so cliche. Please, Jennifer, don’t do it!
Photos of Jennifer Hudson singing the national anthem at the Democratic National Convention on August 28, 2008. Photo credit: FAME.
I wonder if there will ever be another story written about JHUD that doesn’t either end or begin with them reminding us of her families murders. I understand that right now, it being her first performance since then, it’s noteable. But is that going to follow her for the rest of her career? I hope not.
Depends on how long her career lasts. Look at Kelsey Grammar, whose past is similar; his family is not brought up much in articles at all. Rarely. If she’s around in 20, most likely it won’t be the main topic of conv.
Good point Blondie.
I’m only watching the half time show for Bruce.
Hudson tore it up almost to the point of stealing the show from the football players
i’m glad she is getting back to the spotlight,hope she comes to south africa
she sang cool and …..lot a cute than other