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'American Idol' Cowell and Abdul offer Hudson condolences

By April MacIntyre Oct 27, 2008, 23:56 GMT

AI grieves for Jennifer Hudson: Simon Cowell, Kara DioGuardi, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson - American Idol - Chelsea Piers - New York City, NY, USA © Janet Mayer / PR Photos

"American Idol" judges Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul have reacted to the news of the triple homicide that claimed Jennifer Hudson's mother, brother and nephew.

On news of the Jennifer Hudson tragedy, Simon Cowell tells Extra from London, “I was horrified when I heard the news. This is an appalling tragedy. My thoughts right now are with Jennifer, and her family.” 

Paula Abdul was also contacted by Extra, “This is a horrific tragedy and my thoughts and prayers go out to Jennifer and her entire family.  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."

Today the body of Hudson's seven year-old nephew, Julian King, was identified.  He had been shot in the head and left in a white SUV left parked on a Chicago street. Hudson's mother and brother were shot and killed in their home last Friday.

William Balfour, the estranged husband of Jennifer Hudson's sister, Julia, has been in police custody since Friday. He was transferred Sunday to the Illinois Department of Corrections "based on his active parole violation unrelated to this investigation."

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