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Jennifer Hudson is using pop culture’s grandest stage – the Super Bowl – to make her return to the spotlight after the slayings of family members.
NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy confirmed Wednesday that Hudson will sing the national anthem at the Super Bowl in Tampa, Fla., on Feb. 1.
Hudson hasn’t made a public appearance since her 57-year-old mother, Darnell Hudson Donerson; 29-year-old brother Jason Hudson; and 7-year-old nephew Julian King were slain in Chicago in October. Her estranged brother-in-law has been charged in the killings.
Hudson is nominated for four Grammys.
An estimated 30.1 million people watched the season debut of “American Idol,” making it the most-watched prime-time show of the TV season so far.
Nielsen Media Research said that audience Tuesday was down 10 percent from the 33.4 million who watched the season opener of the Fox network show in 2008. The 37.4 million who watched the 2007 debut represents the series’ high point.
CBS is close to a deal with pop star John Mayer for a music and variety TV show.
CBS Entertainment President Nina Tassler said the project is under development and an agreement is near. She didn’t provide details.
In 2006, he made a cameo on CBS’ “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.” He might also appear at the Grammys; he’s up for five prizes.
Days after checking himself into a Los Angeles hospital for pneumonia, Patrick Swayze says his condition is improving.
The actor, 56, who is battling pancreatic cancer, tells People magazine: “I am alive and plan on continuing to stay that way. ... I am almost in the clear.”
Swayze says he checked into the hospital Jan. 9 because of a cough that he suspected was the result of an infection. He says, “I wanted to jump on it before it turned into a problem.”
Are you planning a local event related to the presidential inauguration Jan. 20? Or are you traveling to Washington to attend it or a related event? We would like to hear from you as we prepare to cover this historic event. Please contact Ron Shawgo at 461-8312 or e-mail rshawgo@jg.net.
Back in the day, rock fans had to go to a concert to buy the band’s official T-shirt. Now you can get retro versions almost anywhere. If you have a vintage tour T-shirt and are willing to share the memories for a story, e-mail Stefanie Scarlett at sscarlett@jg.net or call 461-8313.
Among celebrity birthdays today: Actor-director Mario Van Peebles is 52. Singer Lisa Lisa of Lisa Lisa and the Cult Jam is 42. Actor Chad Lowe is 41. Actress Regina King is 38.
