Jennifer Hudson, who’s been grieving the deaths of her mother, brother and nephew, offered up thanks and gratitude on Thursday for her four Grammy nominations for her debut album.
"It’s been a childhood dream of mine to release an album, so to receive 4 Grammy nominations is truly a blessing," Hudson, 27, said. "I’m extremely honored and humbled by the nominations."
Jennifer’s self-titled album was nominated for Best R&B Album, Best Female R&B Vocal Performance and Best R&B Song for "Spotlight," and Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals for "I’m His Only Woman" with fellow American Idol alum Fantasia.
The nominations were announced on the same day as her estranged brother-in-law, William Balfour, 27, was denied bail in the shooting deaths of Hudson’s mother Darnell Donerson, 57, brother Jason Hudson, 29, and nephew Julian King, 7.
The countdown to music’s biggest night has officially begun! On Wednesday the list of nominations for the 51st Grammy Awards were announced with artist Lil Wayne leading the pack of diverse artists.
Lil Wayne earned eight nominations, followed by Coldplay with seven and Jay Z, Ne-Yo and Kanye West taking six.
Coldplay, Lil Wayne, Ney-Yo, Robert Plant & Alison Krauss and Radiohead are all up for the coveted Album of the Year.
The pool of nominees for Best New Artist include Adele, Duffy, Jonas Brothers, Lady Antebellum and Jazmine Sullivan.
The Grammys will air live on CBS from the Staples Center on Feb. 8, 2009.
Singer/songwriter Alicia Keys made no secret on Friday to extend her warmest wishes to Beyonceand Jay-Z, who are rumored to be tying the knot in NYC tonight.
Of the couple’s impending nuptials, Alicia told OK!, "All the best wishes possible, and I think that love is beautiful and when you love somebody, just let it shine and shine bright."
Monday was a victorious day in Hollywood after striking writers announced they had struck an interim agreement with Grammy Awards organizers.
The ‘truce’ will allow WGA members to write the Grammy ceremony, which is widely considered to be the music industry’s highest honor.
"Professional musicians face many of the same issues that we do concerning fair compensation for the use of their work in new media," the Writers Guild said in a statement, adding that it made the decision "in the interest of advancing our goal of achieving a fair contract."
Last week, the Writers Guild of America — which represents over 10 thousand film and television writers — said it would not picket the music event. That, combined with today’s announcement, means the awards ceremony will likely be presented in its traditional televised format.
The Recording Academy, which puts on the Grammy Awards, said Monday it was "gratified" to reach the deal.
"Having our talented writers on the team further ensures the highest level of creativity and innovation," said Neil Portnow, Recording Academy president and chief executive.
Twilight: In OK!’s official New Moon collector’s edition, check out everything from a timeline of Robert and Kristen’s romance – including photos of the two meeting each other’s parents and holding hands in Paris – to OK”s Ultimate Twi-hard Quiz.
Taylor Swift: Country’s new golden girl scoops up four CMA Awards and becomes the youngest artist ever to win Entertainer of the Year. Read Taylor’s response, and commentary from country icons.
Britney Spears: The singer takes a yacht trip with her two sons, Sean and Jayden, and her boyfriend/manager, Jason Trawick. See OK!’s photos of the developing happy family.
Lindsay Lohan: After her wild week of partying and disheveled appearance out shopping in L.A., friends say Lindsay may be in danger of self-destructing.
Jennifer Hudson, who’s been grieving the deaths of her mother, brother and nephew, offered up thanks and gratitude on Thursday for her four Grammy nominations for her debut album.
