Hudson, Mirren, others to get Walk of Fame stars

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Helen Mirren, Jennifer Hudson, James Franco and the Backstreet Boys are among the famous folks getting stars on Hollywood's Walk of Fame in 2013.

Actress Marg Helgenberger and the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce announced the new 24 inductees Friday at a press conference on Hollywood Boulevard's star-lined sidewalk.

A committee selects celebrities eligible for a star and those who accept pay $30,000 in costs and fees.

Other entertainers slated for a star next year are Javier Bardem, Viola Davis, Simon Baker, Bryan Cranston, Jane Lynch, Katey Segal, Matthew Perry, Ellen DeGeneres and Olympia Dukakis; performers Penn & Teller; makeup artist Rick Baker; filmmaker Ron Howard; radio personalities Steve Harvey and "Shotgun" Tom Kelly; and musicians Jane's Addiction, New Kids on the Block, Janis Joplin, Usher, Thalia and Luther Vandross.

View the original article here

Read more »

Jennifer Hudson, Sister Send Prayers to Family of William Balfour

Not long after William Balfour was found guilty of murdering her mother, brother and nephew, Jennifer Hudson released an email statement regarding the tragedy as a whole.

“We have felt the love and support from people all over the world, and we’re very grateful,” Hudson and sister Julia said, extending a prayer “from the Hudson family to the Balfour family" because "we have all suffered a terrible loss in this tragedy."

Quoting Scripture, the Hudson sisters concluded:

"And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled in them that perish: in whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of the unbelieving, that the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should not dawn upon them (2 Corinthians 4:3-4). It is our prayer that the Lord will forgive Mr. Balfour of these heinous acts and bring his heart into repentance someday."

Balfour faces life in prison, and his attorney plans to appeal her client's multiple convictions next month.

View the original article here

Read more »

William Balfour Found Guilty in Jennifer Hudson Family Murder Case

William Balfour - the former brother-in-law of Jennifer Hudson who was arrested for killing her mother, brother and nephew - has been found guilty on three counts of first-degree murder.

Hudson (along with her fiancé and sister) was inside the courtroom when the verdict was read and sources tell E! News they sat silently throughout.

Balfour did not testify on his own behalf, although the Oscar winner did take the stand early on in the trial and broke down in tears at one point.

In addition to the murder charges, Balfour was found guilty of home invasion, residential burglary, aggravated kidnapping and possession of a stolen vehicle. He faces life in prison.

View the original article here

Read more »