We’ll return to our season eight updates shortly, but we interrupt these articles/photos for an uplifting story involving a former American Idol finalist.

Last night, Jennifer Hudson capped an emotional few months with a win at the 2009 Grammy Awards.

The singer – whose mother, brother and nephew were tragically murdered in November – took home the trophy for R&B Album of the Year for her debut album Spotlight.

Congratulation, Jennifer!

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Jordin Sparks is among the numerous singers and judges from American Idol sending well wishes to Jennifer Hudson and her family.

“I just want to tell her that I love her and I’m praying for her,” Sparks said this week. “She’s one of the sweetest people I’ve ever met, so I hope I get to see her soon.

Sparks added:

“I’m pretty sure she got strength from her Mom. Now that she is not here anymore, I’m pretty sure she’s drawing it from her other family members, her really close friends and the people who are telling her she can do it.”

In light of the tragedy that befell Jennifer Hudson and her family, everyone associated with American Idol are reaching out to the former finalist.

“This is a horrific tragedy and my thoughts and prayers go out to Jennifer and her entire family,” Paula Abdul said. “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 echoed those sentiments: :

“I was horrified when I heard the news. This is an appalling tragedy. My thoughts right now are with Jennifer, and her family.”

Jennifer Hudson is a hit on the music charts as much as she is on the big screen.

The singer’s self-titled debut album has debuted at number-two on this week’s The Billboard 200 album sales chart, selling 217,000 units during its initial week of release, according to Nielsen Soundscan data.

Way to go, Jennifer!

The CD represents the biggest first-week debut album sales for a former American Idol finalist since Taylor Hicks’ self-titled debut sold 298,000 units during its first week of release in December 2006. 

Jennifer Hudson’s debut album is available… now! It was released yesterday.

As part of this former American Idol finalist’s promotional tour, she stopped by for a chat with the ladies of The View. They had to talk to her about her engagement to David Otunga, of course.

Watch the interview now:

Congratulations are in order for Jennifer Hudson.

The former American Idol finalist is engaged David Otunga. Reality TV fans may know him as “Punk” from season two of I Love New York.

Hudson and Otunga are both from Chicago. They’ve been dating for less than a year and he proposed this past Friday night, Hudson’s 27’s birthday.

Can Jennifer Hudson deliver a top-notch rendition of the National Anthem?

YES SHE CAN!

The American Idol finalist and Academy Award-winner proved as much at last week’s Democratic National Convention. Check out the performance now:

Having already voiced her support for Barack Obama, American Idol finalist Jennifer Hudson will now have a chance to sing her support. For the entire country.

The nominee for President has asked Jennifer Hudson to sing the national anthem on Thursday, the day of the candidate’s address to the Democratic convention in Denver.

“His reps called and said we’d love for you to sing the anthem on Thursday,” Hudson’s rep said. “She’s thrilled and excited. It’s a tremendous honor.”

Jennifer Hudson is honored to support Barack Obama and sing at the Democratic National Convention.

On September 30, Jennifer Hudson releases a self-titled CD.

Rumored collaborators on the album include: Akon, R. Kelly, John Legend, Jack Splash, Christopher “Tricky” Stewart, Robin Thicke, Timbaland, T-Pain, The Underdogs and Diane Warren.

Here’s a look at the cover for “Jennifer Hudson.”

What do you think?