Recent rumors claiming R&B singer Jennifer Hudson may be pregnant have been confirmed by Essence Magazine. Hudson's manager and publicist originally denied early reports, but two sources close to the Chicago native told Essence.com that the Academy and Grammy award-winning singer/actress is indeed expecting.

Hudson is engaged to David Otunga, a Harvard Law graduate who was a former contestant on VH1 reality series 'I Love New York 2.' The pair have yet to announce a wedding date.

The singer's success was marred by tragedy last October when her mother, brother and nephew were murdered in Chicago. Hudson's estranged brother-in-law William Balfour was later charged with the triple murder.

Grammy-winning singer/actress Jennifer Hudson will be returning to familiar territory when she hits the 'American Idol' stage for a special performance. The 26-year-old 'Idol' alum will reportedly tape a performance in front of the studio audience tonight (Wednesday), following the show's live broadcast.

According to reports, Hudson will sing a song from her self-titled album for a segment, which will air on a future episode of the show. This will be the first time the singer has returned to 'Idol' since being eliminated from the show in 2004. Since then Hudson has seen much success in the entertainment industry. In 2007, the Chicago native won an Academy Award for her portrayal of Effie White in the film adaptation of the popular musical 'Dreamgirls.' In February she added a Grammy to her trophy case.

The lawyer representing William Balfour in the murder case against Jennifer Hudson's three family members has stepped down. Joshua Kutnick resigned Monday sighting lack of financial resources. Kutnick did however state that he still believed in Balfour's innocence but that the high profile case was taking its toll on his pockets.

"It's the kind of case that involves intense hours," Kutnick said in an interview not long after breaking the news to Balfour's mother. "I was gathering all resources, but I couldn't finance it."

Balfour, 27, is the sole suspect in the brutal slayings of Jennifer Hudson's mother, brother and young nephew. He entered a not guilty plea to the three charges of first-degree murder, and was scheduled to receive a new public defender as of Monday.

Artist: Jennifer Hudson
Song: 'If This Isn't Love'
Why You Should Watch: The songstress, who recently snagged a Grammy for her self-titled debut album, returns to the 'Spotlight' with her powerful ode to love. Buy on iTunes.

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Jennifer Hudson was honored with the Grammy Award for Best R&B Album for her self-titled debut album. "I would like to thank my family in heaven and those that are here today," the singer said through tears. Hudson has recently come out of seclusion following the murders of her mother, brother and 7-year-old nephew.

The Academy Award-winning actress/singer made her first public appearance at Super Bowl XLIII, where she performed the national anthem. Hudson continued her return to the spotlight at the MusiCares Person of the Year gala. The singer paid tribute to Neil Diamond at the Pre-Grammy event.

Jennifer Hudson has been keeping a very low profile for the last three months since the slayings of her mother, brother and nephew. And following her glorious performance of the national anthem at Super Bowl XLIII, it looks like the Oscar-winning actress/singer is planning a U.S. tour that would mark her debut as a solo headliner.

In a recent interview, Hudson's manager Damien Smith said the tour would run for about six weeks beginning in late March or April. He also noted, "Everybody, stay tuned. You'll be seeing a lot more of her."

While Jennifer Hudson will serve as the headliner of the tour, her "Dreamgirls" co-star Jamie Foxx has volunteered to accompany her. Foxx says he's ready to go on the road with his pal and says that Jennifer is 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."

For the over 90 million people who tuned in to the Super Bowl this past weekend watching Jennifer Hudson's first public performance in months was as anticipated as the commercials.

The singer did not disappoint by passionately belting out the words of the National anthem, but later it was revealed that the performance was pre-recorded.

According to the show's producer Ricky Minor, who is also the music director for 'American Idol,' Hudson lip-synched per his request.

"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," he said. "She's on fire right now and totally grounded." Following her performance Hudson received a text from her 'Dreamgirls' co-star Jamie Foxx that read "Amazing. It brought tears to my eyes."