Jennifer Hudson’s pet dogs will have starring roles at her wedding.

The singer-and-actress will wed her partner, David Otunga, soon – although she will not reveal an exact date – and wants her three Pomeranian dogs – Dreamgirl, Oscar, and Grammy – to play a big part.

She said: “I want my dogs to be in my wedding. I am so serious.”

Jennifer also hinted her dress could be “the most untraditional thing” about the day, adding: “Everybody comes down the aisle in a white gown. Maybe I’ll give it a twist.”

The Oscar-winning actress has lots of experience of marriage ceremonies because of her previous job as a wedding singer.

She added: “Anything I could sing at, I did. I’ve sung at a lot of weddings and seen a lot of the same things, and I want to make sure this is different – but traditional, and very, very classy.”

“I’ll be surrounded by family and friends. I hope that when I’m 80 years old, people will still be talking about my wedding.”

Jennifer – who is still grieving after her mother, brother and nephew were murdered last October – is currently on tour in the US.

Jennifer Hudson is ”excited” about her first major tour.

The “Spotlight” star – who came sixth in US talent show “American Idol” in 2004 – is thrilled about the dates she will co-headline with US singer Robin Thicke.

She said: “I’m excited to get out and meet the people and sing for the people. I always love to perform live. The only other tour I’ve been part of is the ‘American Idol’ tour, so this’ll be more intimate and personal.”

But the 27-year-old admits she is still in a “weird place” as she is struggling to find her identity after the murder of her mother Darnell Donerson, brother Jason Hudson and nephew Julian King last November.

She said: “I’m in a weird place. Like, ‘Wow, everybody knows Jennifer, but where do you place her? Who do you put her with? Where do I go?’”

“That was the hardest part of the puzzle to put together. I think we came out with a great solution.”

The singer-and-actress’ family were allegedly killed by her estranged brother-in-law William Balfour, who is married to Jennifer’s sister Julia, who has been indicted on murder charges.

Jennifer has thrown herself into preparations for the tour and has promised fans they won’t be disappointed.

She said: “I’m going to start rehearsals this week, but I want to make sure we do have something visually, but to be seen and most importantly to be heard, that’s most important to me.”

“You can expect a variety of music from my album and then also maybe me and Robin will get out there and do something together.”

The tour kicks off on March 31 in Albany, New York.

Jennifer Hudson paid tribute to her ”family in heaven” while accepting her Grammy Award.

The singer-and-actress – whose mother, brother and nephew were murdered last November – gave an emotional acceptance speech when she picked up the prize for Best R’n'B Album for her self-titled debut before fighting back tears as she performed “You Pulled Me Through” backed by a choir.

In her speech, Jennifer, 27, said last night (Feb 8, 2009): “Thank God, who brought me through. I’d like to thank my family in heaven – and those who are here today.”

Jennifer also thanked her fiance David Otunga, who before last night’s event said “the last few months have been an ordeal and it just brought us closer.”

Robert Plant and Alison Krauss were the big winners of the night, picking up five awards, including the coveted Album of the Year for “Raising Sand” and Record of the Year for “Please Read The Letter.”

Vocalist Robert admitted he was bemused by their success. The former Led Zeppelin rocker said: “I’m bewildered. In the old days we’d call this selling out. But I think it’s a good way to spend a Sunday.”

British rock group Coldplay picked up three awards, for Best Pop Duo/Vocal Group, Best Rock Album for “Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends” and Song of the Year for “Viva La Vida.”

Their triumph was matched by Lil’ Wayne – who picked up his prizes in a pre-show ceremony as he was unable to attend the bash in Los Angeles – who also received a trio of honors for Best Rap Album for “The Carter Show,” Best Rap Solo Performance for “A-Milli” and Best Rap Song for “Lollipop.”

As well as honoring American talent, the 51st Grammy Awards honored several British artists.

“Chasing Pavements” star Adele was named Best Newcomer and Best Female Vocal Performance, Duffy took home Best Pop Vocal Album and Radiohead’s “In Rainbows” was named Best Alternative Album.

Performers at the ceremony included Justin Timberlake, who duetted with soul legend Al Green on his hit “Let’s Stay Together,” country singer Carrie Underwood and “Hannah Montana” star Miley Cyrus.

The 51st Grammy Awards list of major winners:

-

Album of the Year: Robert Plant and Allison Krauss, “Raising Sand”

-

Rap Album: Lil Wayne, “The Carter III”

-

Record of the Year: Robert Plant and Allison Krauss, “Please Read the Letter”

-

New Artist: Adele

-

Rock Album: Coldplay, “Viva La Vida”

-

Song of the Year: Coldplay, “Viva La Vida”

-

Pop duo/group: Coldplay, “Viva La Vida”

-

Pop Vocal Album: Duffy, “Rockferry”

-

Alternative Album: Radiohead, “In Rainbows”

-

Producer of the Year, non-classical: Rick Rubin

Jamie Foxx wants to tour with Jennifer Hudson.

The singer-and-actor recently spoke to Jennifer – who is recovering following the murders of her mother, brother and nephew last year – and has revealed the pair may perform a series of concerts together.

He told ET Online: “She’s doing well. She says she wants to get back into the flow of things. Hopefully we will go out on tour together and, you know, heal the world with our music.”

Jennifer, 27, made her first public appearance since the tragedy at yesterday’s (Feb 1, 2009) Super Bowl, where she sang the US national anthem.

Despite looking nervous, her rendition of the “Star Spangled Banner” was so powerful fans at the prestigious American football match – which is watched by millions all over the world – gave her a standing ovation.

Pre-game show producer Rickey Minor, who worked with Jennifer on US reality TV show “American Idol” and booked her for the Super Bowl, said: “She came of stage and said, ‘How did I do?’ I told her, ‘Touchdown!’”

“This was such an important performance because it’s the first time everyone has seen Jennifer. But she’s in such a great place, with such great spirits and time can heal her wounds. She’s on fire right now and totally grounded.”

Jennifer’s estranged brother-in-law, William Balfour, 27, has been indicted on murder charges for the triple killing of the singer’s mother Darnell Donerson, brother Jason Hudson and her nephew Julian King, the son of Jennifer’s sister Julia.

Jennifer Hudson is to play live at the Super Bowl, her first performance since the murder of her mother, brother and nephew.

The “Spotlight” star will sing the US national anthem at the showpiece of the American football season on February 1, to be held in Miami.

A source said: “She certainly can nail it. She proved it at the Democratic National Convention.”

Jennifer sang “The Star Spangled Banner” in August 2008 at the convention where Barack Obama accepted his candidacy for the US Presidential election.

Jennifer’s estranged brother-in-law, William Balfour, 27, has been indicted on murder charges for the triple killing of the singer’s mother Darnell Donerson, brother Jason Hudson and her nephew Julian King, the son of Jennifer’s sister Julia.

It was reported Jennifer will sing at the inauguration of President-Elect Barack Obama on January 20, but these have downplayed.

She is also rumored to be appearing at a Neil Diamond tribute on the night before the US Grammy awards, held on February 8, although this has also yet to be confirmed.

Jennifer is nominated for four Grammys, including Best R’n'B Album and Best Female R’n'B Vocal Performance.

Jennifer Hudson is returning to work following the murder of her mother, brother and nephew.

The singer-and-actress will start shooting the video for her new single “If It Isn’t Love” in Los Angeles next week, according to her music label J Records.

The 27-year-old star was due to star work on the music promo when her mother Darnell Hudson Donerson and brother Jason Hudson were found shot dead in their Chicago home on October 24.

The body of her seven-year-old nephew Julian King was found in a SUV (sports utility vehicle) in another part of Chicago three days later.

William Balfour, Jennifer’s estranged brother-in-law, was charged with the killings last week, although he maintains he had no involvement in the shootings.

Jennifer has remained in seclusion since the tragedy.

Last week, it was announced Jennifer was nominated for four Grammy awards, prompting her to release a statement saying she felt “blessed.”

She said: “It’s been a childhood dream of mine to release an album, so to receive four Grammy nominations is truly a blessing. I’m extremely honored and humbled by the nominations.”

Jennifer Hudson’s mother, brother and nephew were remembered by friends and family in a memorial service yesterday.Friends and family paid tribute to the actress’ mom Darnell Donerson, sibling Jason Hudson and seven-year-old nephew Julian King were all fatally shot last month in the emotional public ceremony at Chicago’s Pleasant Gift Memorial Baptist Church.

The service was attended by members of Julian’s school, including his second grade teacher Carmen Williams, who was accompanied by three of the boy’s classmates.

Williams said: “Julian was a role model, an academic whiz and a best friend.”

“You could look into his eyes and you knew he always had the right answer.”

The song “From Out of Nowhere, Jesus Found Me,” performed by a member of the Hudson family, Shari Sweat, was dedicated to 57-year-old Darnell.

Reverend Quentin Washington, a relative of the family, spoke about Jason, 29, crediting him for encouraging him to pursue his career as a minister.

He said: “They are all in Heaven having a ‘hallelujah good time.’”

“Their lives were not in vain. Their legacies live on.”

While “Dreamgirls” star Jennifer did not attend the public service, she and her sister Julia are expected to remember their lost relatives at a private service in Chicago’s Apostolic Church of God today.

Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson has joined the cast of “Sex and the City: The Movie,” which begins filming next week in New York.
Hudson will play the assistant to Sarah Jessica Parker’s character, Carrie Bradshaw, in the film based on the hit HBO comedy series.

In July, the show’s four leads, including Parker, Kim Cattrall, Kristin Davis and Cynthia Nixon, came aboard for the film after New Line Cinema agreed to finance and distribute it. Chris Noth also joined the cast to reprise his role as Mr. Big.
Michael Patrick King is writing and directing.

Hudson, who won an Oscar for her supporting role in “Dreamgirls,” recently completed production on the ensemble drama “Winged Creatures” starring Kate Beckinsale, Forrest Whitaker, Jackie Earle Haley and Dakota Fanning. Sony is distributing the film.

The former “American Idol” contestant is also in the studio working on her debut album for Arista Records, due for release in the first quarter of 2008.

Jennifer Hudson’s performance for Starbucks bosses was cancelled due to her alleged diva-like demands.

The former “American Idol” contestant, who has received worldwide acclaim after winning an Oscar for her performance in “Dreamgirls,” was scheduled to sing at the coffee giant’s annual meeting in Seattle on Wednesday (03.21.07).

Her appearance was cancelled after she presented them with a string of extravagant demands, including having baked chicken wings for breakfast.

A source is quoted by gossip website TMZ as saying: “Jennifer’s agency William Morris demanded five cars, hair and make-up artists, security for her and her assistant and humidifiers.”

“But the final straw came when they told Starbucks she would need baked chicken wings at 10am.”

“Starbucks Chairman Howard Schultz decided he had enough and pulled the plug because he didn’t like the way the agent was dealing with his people.”

William Morris has so far refused to comment on the matter.

The Oscar-winning actress, Jennifer Hudson, responded to criticism from “American Idol” judge Simon Cowell for not thanking the show in her acceptance speech – on which she was a contestant – by asking if she should also have thanked the fast food chain where she once worked.

Jennifer snapped: “If I’d been any better at my job when I was at Burger King in my middle teens, I wouldn’t be here either, so should I thank them, too?”

Burger King has now released a statement, saying: “In response to Jennifer’s recent comments in which she asked if she should be thanking Burger King, we say thanks, but no thanks are necessary.”

“Burger King Corporation is proud of Jennifer’s success and while we never like to lose employees, in this case, our loss is the entertainment industry’s gain.”

“To further show our support for Jennifer, and make sure she never has to sing for her supper again, Burger King Corporation is giving her a pre-paid BK Crown Card that will be automatically reloaded for life.”

The “Dreamgirls” star’s first job was at a Chicago Burger King when she was 16. Jennifer claims she sang while working on the drive-through counter and flipping burgers.

The 25-year-old star of “Dreamgirls” spoke of the support of her mother and especially her grandmother before a large crowd at U.N. headquarters that included teenage girls trying to catch a glimpse of the former “American Idol” contestant.

“One reason my dreams have been able to come true is because of the people in my life,” she said. “They’ve always believed in me, and had hope for me, and loved me.”

Hudson also stressed the importance of empowering women and girls, the theme of the ceremony on the eve of International Women’s Day. It was sponsored by the Virtue Foundation in partnership with Avon Products Inc., and co-sponsored by UNICEF and the U.N. Development Fund for Women.

The singer and actress announced the first prizewinner of Avon’s new “Hello Tomorrow Fund,” New Orleans teacher Darlene Morgan Brown, who set up an entrepreneurship program for female middle school students and their mothers.

This year’s Oscar winners Forest Whitaker and Jennifer Hudson kept their winning streaks alive Friday, while “Grey’s Anatomy” star Isaiah Washington claimed a best actor prize at the 38th annual NAACP Image Awards. “Ugly Betty” took top television honors.

Hudson, a former “American Idol” finalist, garnered a best supporting actress award for her role in the musical “Dreamgirls,” the same category she won at the Academy Awards on Sunday.

“There is nothing like being recognized and honored by your own,” said Hudson.

Whitaker, who won a best actor Oscar for “The Last King of Scotland,” earned the same prize at Friday’s ceremony, which honor projects and individuals who promote diversity in the arts.

“Doing this role gave me so many blessings,” said Whitaker, who plays a Ugandan dictator in the film. “One was being able to go back to Africa and touch my roots.”

Washington, who has been sharply criticized for uttering a gay slur on the set of his hit show, scored best actor for a drama series.

“I’m humbled and honored to be recognized by the NAACP,” said Washington, who announced earlier this year he would seek help after receiving a torrent of negative publicity for his comments.

“The first time I was up here I felt deserving of something,” he added. “This time I feel privileged.”

“The Pursuit of Happyness,” starring Will Smith and his son, won best picture honors. Keke Palmer nabbed best actress for “Akeelah and the Bee,” and Djimon Hounsou took best supporting actor for “Blood Diamond.”

“This film means a lot to me for the simple reason that I’m from Africa,” said Hounsou to loud applause.

Rapper LL Cool J hosted the awards.

“I won’t ask you why the chicken crossed the road,” Cool J joked, telling the crowd it was his first time as a host. “I just ask that you bear with me. I’m going to try to carry this thing with dignity.”

Democratic presidential contender Barack Obama (news, bio, voting record) won a literary nonfiction Image Award for his book “The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream.” Obama, a U.S. senator from Illinois, did not attend the ceremony.

Vanessa Williams got the nod for best supporting actress in a comedy for “Ugly Betty,” which also won for best television comedy series.

The show is “a story about family, about feeling like an outsider, and as African-Americans in this business know, often we feel like an outsider,” said Williams.

America Ferrera, who plays Betty, said the show was successful because American viewers were anxious to see a show that represented the country’s diverse communities.

“We knew theme would connect with the American people, who wanted to see fresh faces they can connect with on television,” said Ferrera.

Prince, who was awarded best male music artist, read a poem about protecting the environment.

“Fifty years from now what will they say about us?” Prince asked.

Chandra Wilson won best supporting actress in a drama series for “Grey’s Anatomy.” She said she wished her deceased father could have been with her, as Friday would have been his birthday.

“His little daughter is real happy to be standing here,” she said.

CNN’s Soledad O’Brien was given the honorary President’s Award for her work as a journalist. Honorary recognition also included Bill Cosby’s induction into the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame and the Chairman’s Award to Bono.

To repeated standing ovations, Bono talked about the need to eradicate poverty in the world.

“Today the world looks again to the NAACP,” said Bono. “We need the community that taught world about civil rights to teach it about human rights.”

Little Children star Kate Winslet, 31, clad in a figure-hugging mint green Valentino gown, acknowledged that she’s a “record-breaker,” winning more Oscar nominations for her generation than any of her pint-sized contemporaries.

“It’s amazing. This kind of stuff isn’t supposed to happen to someone like me who comes from a small town and was told I was only going to get parts for fat girls,” she said.

Devil Wears Prada nominee Meryl Streep can be equally proud to throw her Oscar weight around. The 57-year-old actress has been nominated 14 times.

“And I’m a size 14, so it all matches,” she said.

Then there was Jennifer Hudson, 25, who put on 20-plus pounds for her Oscar-nominated role as Effie in DreamGirls. Hudson said she slimmed down for the red carpet the old fashioned way: hard, hard work.

“I worked with my trainer, LaFonza Alston in Chicago through the summer,” she told Ryan Seacrest during a red carpet interview. “I’d get up at 4 in the morning, go running for an hour and then go back to the gym at one o’clock.”

Hudson dropped 25 pounds by eating salads, grilled chicken and nuts – and by making sure her food portions were no bigger than her hand.

“You’ve got to work for it,” she says. “And I’m a firm believer: If it’s not worth working hard for, it’s not worth working at all.”

On this year’s red carpet, some gals hit high notes with their ample display, while others performed the boobage equivalent of painfully bad karaoke. Here is a photographic review :-

Jennifer Hudson

“She’s a ‘do’ for sure – she’s given herself a sexier silhouette by virtue of that halter, giving her a nice long line. It’s attractive because she’s younger and her breasts are still perky enough. In 10 years she can’t wear that halter dress without the Brooklyn Bridge being underneath her!”

Paula Abdul

“Paula is a don’t. She looks like she just got out of surgery and has Ace bandages wrapped around her to hold her together so that there’s minimal scarring! The dress is pulling so tightly that it’s not only pushing her bust down and making it unattractive, but it’s also giving her that sort of third boob, that underarm boob, which is not necessary.”

Fergie

“Fergie is a ‘do’ because she has a dress that’s perfectly executed for her bust. It’s fabulous and beautiful and that neckline is really pretty on her – it doesn’t work on everybody. She’s got the right sized chest and that’s the biggest you can go with that square neck without looking like Paula Abdul.”

Christina Aguilera

“There’s just too much distance between her bust, so it leans more towards a don’t than a do. But I like the way she looks. This dress looks cute on her, but I wish there was a little more cleavage. The real do here would be to use those silicone cups which would’ve given her a fuller cup and a little more cleavage in the center.”

Leann Rimes

“It’s not a ‘do’ and it’s not a ‘don’t’ – it’s just okay, but it could’ve been better. She’s very safe. I would’ve encouraged her to use those self-adhesive cookies to give her a fuller bust. They would’ve helped fill out the gathering in the fabric and given her a more voluptuous silhouette.”