“We have many people to thank but our first thank you is to God, always. We are so grateful to prosecutors James McKay, Jennifer Bagby and Veryl Gambino and State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez and her team for their dedication and tireless work from the beginning.”

“We have the best police department and they have been with us every step of the way. We thank all of the State’s witnesses who came forward on our behalf.”

Like HelloBeautiful on Facebook to stay on top of your favorite black celebrities:

“We have felt the love and support from people all over the world and we’re very grateful. We want to extend a prayer from the Hudson family to the Balfour family.”

“We have all suffered terrible loss in this tragedy. 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 Corinthian 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.”

William Balfour Guilty Of Murdering Jennifer Hudson’s Family

The Defense Rests In Jennifer Hudson’s Family Murder Trial: Closing Arguments To Begin

Start Gallery

LIKE HelloBeautiful On Facebook To Keep Up With The Jennifer Hudson Family Murder Trial.

After 11 days of testimony, 83 witnesses and three days of deliberation, the man responsible for ending the lives of Jennifer Hudson’s mother, brother and nephew will soon his due fate. The Hudson family was in the courtroom today when the verdict was read. Balfour was charged with three counts of first degree murder, one count of home invasion, one count aggravated kidnapping, one count residential burglary and one count possession of a stolen motor vehicle.

Balfour’s jealousy of Jennifer Hudson’s sister, Julia Hudson allegedly having another lover was the cause of his killing spree. It’s amazing when justice is served and it’s still not a sigh of relief for the family, but it’s a start. I’m almost certain Balfour will get a life sentence because of the severity of his charges.

Stay tuned for Balfour’s sentencing results.

Related Links:

William Balfour Admitted To Killing Jennifer Hudson’s Family

Jennifer Hudson Leaves Courtroom To Avoid Gruesome Crime Scene Photos

Despite it all, Jennifer has been poised and willing to do what is necessary to seek justice for her family!

The emotionally-charged trial is coming to an end. The closing arguments will be delivered today by the prosecution who will most likely argue that Balfour that the evidence presented during the 11-day trial will prove Hudson’s former brother-in-law murdered Hudson’s mother, brother and 7-year-old nephew.

Also, they might mention Balfour’s alleged threats to the family if his then-wife did not get back with him!

Like HelloBeautiful on Facebook to stay on top of your favorite black celebrities:

Keep up with the trial, here:

Judge Bans Cell Phones In Jennifer Hudson’s Family Murder Trial

William Balfour Admitted To Killing Jennifer Hudson’s Family

LIKE HelloBeautiful On Facebook To Keep Up With The William Balfour Trial.

Judge Burns has been allowing limited use of cell phones during the first two weeks of trial so reporters could email news updates. However, some journalists have been abusing their privileges. There’s been phones ringing and the Judge even caught a reporter emailing too frequently. So, everyone loses.

We will keep you as up to date as possible on this trial.

Listen To This Powerful Playlist To Help You Weather Your Own Storm.

Related Links:

William Balfour Admitted To Killing Jennifer Hudson’s Family

Jennifer Hudson Leaves Courtroom To Avoid Gruesome Crime Scene Photos

The Chicago Sun Times is reporting that “He said, ‘They got shot,’ and I said, ‘Who?’ He said, ‘Her mother and her brother,’ and I was looking at him crazy … like bug eyed, and just staring at him,” Cathey told jurors. She went on to say, “He say he went in and the brother rushed him, and he shot him, and the mother was coming down the stairs, calling his name, and he shot her.”

Like HelloBeautiful On Facebook To Keep Up With The William Balfour Trial.

While hearing the gruesome details of just how callous Balfour was in shooting her family, Jennifer Hudson appeared to shrivel in her seat in between her fiance, David Otunga and sister, Julia Hudson. When Jennifer turned towards Balfour’s mother, his mother snapped, “What the hell is she looking at?” It’ s good to know the woman that raised this violent person is equally as evil.

What’s equally as good to know is that the evidence against Balfour is starting to stack up. A man that worked for Julia Hudson, Robbin Myers claims that Balfour said a few off the wall things to him as well. In August 2008, Balfour showed up at Myers’ son’s birthday party and Myers thought he spotted a handgun in Balfour’s waistband so instead of letting him in the house, he took him to the porch to have a beer and a cigarette. That’s when Balfour got comfortable.

Must Read: Teen Girls Sunbathing On Road Struck By Car In Pennsylvania

Balfour admitted that he wished Julia were nicer to him and then, “I think my wife is cheating on me with somebody she work with. If I find out that she cheating on me I’m f***ing her and him up,” Balfour angrily admitted and then lifted his shirt to flash the gun.

Prosecutors claim that Balfour stole a .45-caliber Sig Sauer handgun from Jason Hudson (Jennifer Hudson’s brother) and used it to massacre him and his family members, and Myers confirmed that the murder weapon was the same one that William brought to the birthday party.

More evidence that’s damning to Balfour? He was spotted in the same SUV that Jennifer Hudson’s nephew was later found in, which also belonged to his Uncle Jason, and which Balfour allegedly stole after he killed him.

During Friday’s testimony, eye witness Bill Graham, 71, told the court how he recognized Balfour driving a white SUV on the day of the murders, and was surprised that he wasn’t in his usual green Chrysler, reported the Chicago Sun-Times. “I wondered who would let him drive a truck like that because I never seen him drive one before,” said Graham, who saw him park the SUV in a vacant lot and get out with a large bottle of Hennessey.

Balfour is still pleading not guilty. Is he serious? Let’s discuss this on Twitter @Rhapsodani.

Listen To This Playlist To Help You Get Through Your Storm.

Related Links:

Jennifer Hudson Leaves Courtroom To Avoid Gruesome Crime Scene Photos

Jennifer Hudson Reacts To Graphic Crime Scene Evidence In Court

It’s said that Balfour was even in tears when the photos were shown. Hudson’s fiance, David Otunga stayed strong and remained in the courtroom as he took detailed notes about the horrific crime scene that Balfour’s allegedly responsible for.

Like HelloBeautiful On Facebook To Keep Up With The William Balfour Trial.

This has to be one of the most difficult things to go through. Jennifer Hudson not only lost three major parts of her family, she’s also got to relive the fateful day in 2008 when her life changed forever. Not only that–she’s got to remain in the same room with the man that’s allegedly her family’s murderer and her closest surviving relative was married to Balfour. My heart goes out to Jennifer Hudson. Keep your head up! Justice will be served.

Check Out The Playlist Inspired By Letting God Fight Your Battles.
the-battle-is-not-yours-Elev8]

A Tearful Jennifer Hudson Takes The Stand In Family’s Murder Trial

How This Woman Lost 100 Pounds [PHOTOS]

Jennifer Hudson’s Sister Finally Files For Divorce From Husband/Family’s Killer

Prosecutors caused a buzz when they referred to Hudson as an Oscar winner and American Idol finalist on Monday, but promised jurors in opening statements that their case would be a “meticulous and systematic” presentation of witnesses and physical evidence that will point to Balfour as the killer.

Like HelloBeautiful On Facebook To Keep Up With The William Balfour Trial.

Hudson hung her head and shut her eyes as Chicago police Sgt. David Dowling described finding Hudson’s mother’s body sprawled in the living room with gunshot wounds through her back. She sat motionless as Dowling described finding her brother dead in his bed of a gunshot wound to the head. His sheets were pulled up as if he had been sleeping.

A few of Balfour’s friends testified for him today, providing Balfour with an alibi. Both men claimed they saw Balfour in a green Chrysler on the day of the murders. I guess that makes Balfour’s “not guilty” plea confirmed?

Since there’s no witnesses to the murders, prosecutors need to use circumstantial evidence to stack up against Balfour. Prosecutors are expected to introduce evidence in the next few days that includes cellphone records and security-camera footage that places Balfour in the area of the killings. Keep in mind that his friends have already tried to prove otherwise.

Do you think the circumstantial evidence against Balfour will be enough to convict him? Let’s discuss on Twitter @Rhapsodani.

A Tearful Jennifer Hudson Takes The Stand In Family’s Murder Trial

Jennifer Hudson’s Sister Finally Files For Divorce From Husband/Family’s Killer

Hudson’s testimony was brief, but touching. She tearfully touched on she and her family never wanting her sister, Julia to marry Balfour. “None of us wanted her to marry him,” she said, her voice cracking and struggling to hold back tears. “We did not like how he treated her,” she said. J. Hud also talked about the last time she saw her family intact the Sunday before they were killed.

Like HelloBeautiful On Facebook To Keep Up With You The Hudson Family’s Murder Trial.

A prosecutor kept asking more difficult questions and J. Hud’s testimony became increasingly emotional. Early on during Hudson’s testimony, a prosecutor asked her to identify the defendant. Hudson poked her head around the judge’s bench and pointed at Balfour. “He’s sitting right there,” she said.

Balfour hasn’t even plead guilty to the murders and sat almost stone-faced during her testimony. After about a half hour on the stand, J. Hud continued to weep, tissues in hand.

The saddest part of this entire case is the evidence stacked up against Balfour, who continue to claim innocence. Check out the prosecutors’ and defense attorney’s arguments below.

•  Lead prosecutor James McKay has said that the day before the attack, which was Julia Hudson’s birthday, he told her, “If you ever leave me, I’m going to kill you, but I’m going to kill your family first.” Julia never took his words seriously because evidently he’s made similar threats before. If only she’d believed him.

•  Prosecutors say Balfour became enraged by balloons he saw at the home that he thought were from Julia Hudson’s new boyfriend. She told investigators that on the day of the killings, she saw Balfour linger behind as she was driving off from home to her job as a school bus driver.

• Defense Attorney Amy Thompson offered jurors another take on the killings, telling jurors police pinned them on Balfour because they felt pressured to make an arrest. A gun was recovered in a lot near the SUV that was used to drive J. Hud’s nephew away from the house after her mother and brother were killed–and the gun will be presented as the murder weapon. During Thompson’s opening statement, she claimed the DNA found on the gun and fingerprints found in the SUV didn’t match Balfour’s.

• In their opening statement, the defense described Hudson’s brother Jason as a drug dealer “who brought” danger to himself and his family. They indicated he had been shot at least two times in the past. The defense is trying to bring up Jason Hudson’s sordid past to take the blame off of Balfour–who’s said out of his own lips that he’d kill the Hudson family is Julia left him. A threat should be just as much evidence as a drug dealer’s past.

We will keep you posted on the latest developments of this trial, which could last up to a month.

Jennifer Hudson’s Sister Finally Files For Divorce From Husband/Family’s Killer

David Otunga On Marriage To JHud: “It’s Coming”

According to the documents obtained by ABC News, Julia claimed the reason for the divorce was “extreme mental cruelty” and the paperwork didn’t mention anything about Balfour’s alleged murdering spree. The divorce was granted in December. Their marriage happened shortly after Balfour was released from prison on attempted murder charges from when he was 17. I’m all about the fact that people can change, but it makes no sense to marry a man that has tried to murder someone. Balfour isn’t challenging the divorce and even wrote a letter from jail saying, “I have no legal representation nor assistance on this matter.”

Like HelloBeautiful On Facebook To Keep Up With Your Favorite Black Celebs!

Here’s hoping Balfour has legal council on the murder charges he’s facing for taking the lives of Jennifer Hudson’ family. She and her sister Julia are slated to be witnesses in the murder trial. A jury has been chosen and open statements are scheduled for next Monday. Jennifer Hudson is expected to attend the trial as a spectator as well. Oh and just in case you want to attend this murder trial, they have opened it up to the public. Click here for more information.

Start Gallery

David Otunga On Marriage To JHud: “It’s Coming”

Jennifer Hudson Shows Off Her Abs On Twitter

Jennifer Hudson’s fiance David Otunga sat down with the always inquistive Wendy Williams and dished about their relationship, how he met the singer and what we all want to know: when is the wedding?

How he met J Hud:

She first noticed me on [I Love New York]. I started doing a lot of interviews after the show wrapped and made friends with a couple of people. Next thing you know he’s like, ‘Hey, you should meet my friend Jennifer.’ I was like okay, I don’t know, we kind of started talking. Every conversation she was asking me about the show. It’s like, okay, is she just a fan or…

When is the wedding?

The wedding is coming, but like you said there’s a trial we have to get through first. Some things we need to sort out in terms of that but it’s coming. It’s coming.

What do you think about David? Are they a good match?

Jennifer Hudson Gave David Otunga An Engagement Ring?

Jennifer Hudson Sets Wedding Date, Reveals Her Dress Will Be “A Show”

Start Gallery

Watch the video below and let us know what you think!

Jennifer Hudson Honors Whitney Houston [VIDEO]

Jennifer Hudson, Jessica White, Janelle Monae & More Get Glam For amFAR New York Gala [PHOTOS]

Jennifer Hudson, Jessica White, Janelle Monae & More Get Glam For amFAR New York Gala [PHOTOS]

Jennifer Hudson Shows Off Her Abs On Twitter [PHOTO]

Start Gallery

And last year’s pics…

Start Gallery

Relive the 2010 Oscars!:
Mo’Nique Wins Best Supporting Actress

Kathryn Bigelow Becomes First Female To Win Best Director Award

GALLERY: Vanity Fair’s 2010 Oscar After Party

2012 Grammy Awards Performances [VIDEOS]

Celebs Arrive At The 2012 Grammy Awards [PHOTOS]

Start Gallery

Celebs Attend 2012 amfAR New York Gala!

Start Gallery

Jennifer Hudson Shows Off Her Abs On Twitter [PHOTO]

Fab Duo: Eva Marcille & Jessica White Are Ciroc Girls!

Many people think weight loss is for vanity’s sake, especially when it’s someone in the public eye, but more often than not, it’s for health reasons or personal goals/gain. Whatever your reason for dropping a few extra pounds or tightening up what you have, weight loss is and always will be a personal journey. Here’s five celebrities whose weight loss journeys have inspired us all.

Never Too Late

At the start of her career, Aretha Franklin was svelte and her weight wasn’t an issue. As the years increased, so did her weight and her health was affected as well. Aretha became diabetic and once she started getting excrutiating pains in her side, she knew it was time to pay attention to her health. Because of her life-changing surgery and learning how to eat the right things and exercise, Aretha’s 85 pound (and counting) weight loss, at her near 70 years of age was not only necessary, it was inspirational.

American Life Idol

Even the way she got her start in the entertainment industry was inspiring. She may have lost her American Idol title, but she gained an enviable movie and singing career. Through her monumental role in Dreamgirls’ as Effie and two gold albums, Jennifer Hudson has completely transformed. Jennifer’s weight loss started before she landed the role of Effie and even had to gain 20 pounds for the role. Her 80 pound weight loss has proven that dedication pays off.

That’s So Raven

Everyone’s favorite child star turned mogul burst onto the red carpet last year with a brand new figure and we all did double takes. Raven tightened up her petite frame by losing 35 pounds and told VIBE in an interview that she found the new attention amazing for her ego. Losing weight will have that effect on your self-esteem. Raven told Wendy Williams that stress kept her weight on her and Raven’s learned to manage the stress that she lives through that most people twice her age don’t have to deal with.

Hot Mess Turned Hottie

Snooki’s transformation was very unexpected, especially if you ever watched MTV’s Jersey Shore. She was constantly drinking, eating all the wrong foods after late night club binges and sleeping all day. Snooki was the poster child for an unhealthy lifestyle and on her 4’9″ frame, any extra weight could feel like a ton; case in point–she’s only lost about 15 pounds. Thanks to her on-again-off-again boyfriend, Jionni and one of her many endorsements, Snooki’s maintaining her tiny little figure.

Sparks Sparkles

Jordan Sparks’ transformation was confirmed via Twitter earlier last year when she shared her bikini bod with the world. Sparks used to be a plus sized model and now she doesn’t even qualify. With her six pack coming in, Jordan’s fit frame motivates anyone with a few extra pounds that thinks they’ll never see any muscle toning. With the help of a personal trainer and eating healthier, Sparks dropped 30 pounds and hasn’t looked back.

Follow me on Twitter @Rhapsodani!

Jennifer Hudson Shows Off Her Abs On Twitter [PHOTO]

Jennifer Hudson: “I Did Not Turn Down ‘Precious’ Because Of Weight Gain”

When a Twitter fan sent J.Hud a picture of a woman asking to confirm if it was, in fact, the star, she responded: “No, but this is…”

Wearing short-shorts and a midriff-baring crop top, Jennifer is seen in the photo getting glammed up by a manicurist. And we must say, we like what we see!

Keep up the good work, Jen!

Did Jennifer Hudson Gave Her Fiance An Engagement Ring?

Jennifer Hudson: “I Did Not Turn Down ‘Precious’ Because Of Weight Gain”

J.Hud’s Son Doesn’t Recognize “Overweight” Photos Of Her

Start Gallery

The video dropped days before it was revealed that Hudson’s family murder trial, set for start in April, may be getting televised.

Jennifer Hudson Gave David Otunga An Engagement Ring?

Jennifer Hudson: “I Did Not Turn Down ‘Precious’ Because Of Weight Gain”

Start Gallery

Jen said:

“He proposed to me on my birthday and he would complain that he didn’t have an engagement ring. He would say, ‘You have a ring, but how are they going to know I’m taken?’”

“So I had a ring made and then I gave it to him as his birthday gift on his birthday and the way that I gave it to him was like, ‘Now will you marry me!’ So I kind of proposed to him too.“

Hudson and Otunga welcomed their first child together in August 2009, son David Daniel Otunga Jr. The happy couple plans to wed sometime this year, but are tight-lipped about the date.

Jennifer Hudson Sets Wedding Date, Reveals Her Dress Will Be “A Show”

Jennifer Hudson: “I Did Not Turn Down ‘Precious’ Because Of Weight Gain”

Start Gallery

Start Gallery

Hottest Celeb Pics Of The Week: Jan 4 – Jan 11

Christina Milian Gets Fab For The Palms! [PHOTOS]

Celebs Ring In 2012 At New Year’s Eve Parties [PHOTOS]

The Weight Watcher spokeswoman contradicts what she told “Dateline” in a recent interview that aired earlier this week, when Jennifer said she passed because, “I would have had to be the big girl again.”

When Lester Holt asked if her decision to turn down “Precious” was motivated by fear of being typecast as a heavy actress … Hudson said, “I don’t like the idea of being boxed into anything.”

So what’s the real story Jen??

J.Hud’s Son Doesn’t Recognize “Overweight” Photos Of Her

Jennifer Hudson Sets Wedding Date, Reveals Her Dress Will Be “A Show”

Start Gallery

Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to get a clue about the seriousness of marriage before any of us make that commitment. Marriage is more than a pretty ring, big white dress and towering cake. Someone should have explained that to Kim Kardashian. It’s work, which takes maintenance and there are many people that aren’t even halfway prepared to deal with the consequences of all that marriage entails.

There is no such thing as a perfect marriage. Ask the folks who have survived over 40 years together and see if they don’t have a long list of imperfections that they just “dealt with.” Granted, some couples can knock marriage out of the ballpark, but that’s such a small number that one has to wonder if marriage is really all our fantasies have it cracked up to be?

Marriage is usually paired with some form of pressure of it “being time,” “not getting any younger” or the ever-lingering “what are we doing here?” Most of these factors end up dragging poor souls down the aisle and to the alter when they know deep down inside that marriage isn’t the right choice, but it’s a bit too late. Lately, there have been so many new engagement announcements – everyone from Aretha Franklin to Jim Jones are planning on tying the knot – and it’s turning into an epidemic. But it’s also been raining divorces – hello, Kim and Katy Perry – so before we all try to snag us someone and make the ultimate plunge into matrimony, let’s take a page from the Brangelina “Book of Love” and rethink this whole marriage thing. Here are 5 reasons why you shouldn’t get married.

1. Til Death Do Us Part: Vows speak volumes about marriage. You’re vowing to stay with someone no matter what. Typically, when things get worse – finances change, your spouse changes or life just changes for the worst – many are ready to go running for the hills. Do not get married if you can’t handle things getting worse, i.e. sickness, poor, etc.

2. Your Last Lover: Unless you and your partner decide to open up your marital bed to other lovers, your spouse will be the last person that you are intimate with. The. Last. Scary, right? Variety is the spice of life. You can’t have a variety of lovers anymore, so it’s up to you to keep things spicy between the sheets. If you can’t handle the idea of only being with your current boo for the rest of your life, then marriage isn’t going to be so grand for you.

3. Against All Odds: The divorce rate for first marriages is at 41%. I’m not great at math, but that’s clearly almost half. There’s got to be a reason people can’t stay together these days. Oh, maybe they got married for all the wrong reasons. *kanyeshrug*

4. Biological Clock Ticking: Women are on a slippery slope when it comes to childbearing. So if we look up at 30-years plus and we’re still single, most of us freak out because having a child gets much harder as the years go up. However, that doesn’t mean that we have to sink our claws into the next eligible bachelor to conceive with. Just because you want to be a mother, may not mean you’ve got what it takes to be a wife.

5. Take Care: Having someone take care of you should not be a motivator for marriage. Any and everyone should know what it is to be independently sustaining before, during and after any relationship. A lot of women think that it’s a man’s job to take care of them, when really, it’s your job as a couple to take care of one another.

Truth is, there’s so many factors that lead to marriage and I’m a personal believer that all those factors need to be aligned–like the stars–in order to yield a successful marriage. Don’t get me wrong, lost of people beat the odds. Just ask the 39% that stay together. But also ask them how and trust that it is not without major headaches and heartbreaks. I’d definitely love to offer a big congratulations to Aretha Franklin and Willie Wilkerson, Jennifer Hudson and David Otunga, Jim Jones and Chrissy Lampkin and all the other lovesick couples taking the leap. However, marriage is not for the weak of heart. So, here’s to your strength lovebirds!

Follow me on Twitter! @Rhapsodani

Aretha Franklin Is Engaged

Kimbella Wants To Marry Juelz, But Won’t Wait As Long As Chrissy Did

Start Gallery

Now a size 6 since losing 80 pounds with Weight Watchers, she says:

“He’s never known me overweight. If he sees a clip of the old Jennifer from Dreamgirls, he doesn’t know who it is. Everything changed the day my son was born. Motherhood brought tremendous responsibilities – none greater than the obligation I felt to get healthy and be there for my son. David deserved to have a mama who could run after him without getting wounded or tired, to have a role model who could teach him to make healthy food choices. I needed him to grow up with a mama who always would be there for him by caring enough about herself to take control of her health and her eating.”

Jennifer Hudson Sets Wedding Date, Reveals Her Dress Will Be “A Show”

Jennifer Hudson Battles Herself In New Weight Watchers Ad [VIDEO]

Start Gallery

“Oh, we’ve set the date. We’re just not telling. … no, not telling,” she revealed during her Dateline interview with Lester Holt.

Some things you keep to yourself. (but) I could tell you about my dress if you want to hear about the dress.”

A custom creation by Jennifer, she seems to be very proud of this dress that sounds like a big production in itself.

“It’s a show. It has three pieces to it. I designed it myself. It has a coat for the entrance and then when I get ready to walk, you take that part off. And then it’s another dress. And then by the time I get to the alter, it’s a whole new dress.”

During the Dateline interview which will air this Sunday on NBC at 8PM, Jennifer talked about the painful months following the murders of her mom, brother and nephew, how she was able to make a comeback and her new book.

Here’s hoping this wedding takes place in 2012! We can’t wait to see this dress.

Jennifer Hudson Battles Herself In New Weight Watchers Ad [VIDEO]

Jennifer Hudson Reveals She Turned Down Role Of “Precious”

Start Gallery

20.  Oprah Finally Says Goodbye
It was no surprise that the queen of daytime talk was finally going to step down from her post this year, but what was a surprise was just how over-the-top-Oprah-ish the farewell ceremony would be. A double-episode spectacular taped in Chicago’s United Center, Tom Hanks, Beyonce, Jamie Foxx, Jerry Seinfeld, Michael Jordan, Aretha Franklin, Madonna (and so many others we won’t name out of fear that this entry will dominate the entire list) showed up to bid Oprah goodbye.  But when the jaw-dropping spectacular two-day performance concluded, Oprah said her final tearful goodbyes solo on the set of the show that made her an unparalleled global icon.

19.  Kelly Rowland Got Her Sexy Back
For the last several years Kelly Rowland has flopped about the scene, spotted at various hang outs with her celebrity girlfriends, touring overseas and giving us a mediocre song or two. But in March 2011, Rowland dropped “Motivation” featuring Lil’ Wayne and motivated us all to give her a second look. Move over Beyonce! Well, at least slide down some; the second child of destiny is finally making the moves we want to see. In 2011, Rowland seemed to be everywhere looking better and sexier than ever.

18. Jennifer Hudson Is A Size 0?
Somehow Joy Behar “overheard” Jennifer Hudson while shopping (why were they in the same store again?) and said that the store clerk said she was a size 0. Behar thought it would be a good idea to retell this incident on “The View” setting ablaze a fire storm of speculation about Jennifer’s weight loss. Hudson never actually said what size she is but it doesn’t really matter, the before and after photos are TOTAL jaw-drop, gasp-worthy.

17.  Middle East Uprisings
In January, Tunisia sparked what may come to be known as the “year of the revolutions” in the Middle East with young people galvanizing their spirit and energy to topple established oppressive regimes in a quest for democracy. Social media played a particularly interesting role in the protests with many groups organizing their efforts via Facebook and sharing their stories around the world via Twitter. The success of these protests is yet to be determined as power continues to be shifting, but the spirit of 2011 in the Arab world will be remembered as one of determined optimism and civil unrest.

AJDABIYAH, LIBYA - APRIL 14: A rebel fighter celebrates as his comrades fire a rocket barrage toward the positions of troops loyal to Libyan ruler Muammar Gaddafi April 14, 2011 west of Ajdabiyah, Libya.

Egyptians celebrate in Tahrir Square after hearing the news of the resignation of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak on February 11, 2011

16.  Kanye West Premieres ‘DW’ Fashion Line
This doesn’t really require words.  As much as we LOVE Kanye, we just have absolutely no idea what he was going for here. See for yourself.

#blankstare.

15.  T.I. Gets Out-Goes Back-Gets Out of Jail
T.I., T.I.! Talk about someone who doesn’t want to be great. Our jaws hit the ground last year when T.I. and Tiny were caught driving around ATL with hard drugs in the car landing TIP another stint behind bars. But wait, just when we thought he couldn’t get any more jaw-droppingly dumb, T.I. decided to leave jail in August in a tricked out tour bus which was a violation of some random rule which landed him BACK in federal custody before he technically even got out. Mouths wide open at how good this guy is at staying in trouble. For sure, the G.O.A.T.

14. Amanda Knox Is Acquitted Of Murder In Italy
If you hadn’t been following the “Foxy Knoxy” scandal over the last several years, 2011 made it damn near impossible not to pay attention. When the American exchange student convicted of murdering her roommate went on trial to appeal her conviction late this summer, America was hooked. After serving four years in prison, Amanda pleaded her innocence in front of the Italian court resulting in her conviction being overturned on October 3, 2011.

13. Occupy Wall Street Becomes Occupy Any Street
America decided that it’s tired of corporate greed and the best way to make a statement in opposition is to camp out in parks all around the country. I don’t exactly understand why, if the organizers really wanted to effect the economy, no one decided to organize a relevant boycott, but hey, the movement caught on and people are excited about it.

READ: WHO ARE THE BLACK WOMEN OCCUPYING WALL STREET?

12.  Chris Brown Falls & Flies
Despite twitter beef, leaked pictures of his ‘johnson’, and a chair going through the “Good Morning America” windows earlier this year, Chris Brown’s 2011 is actually ending on a high-note. We didn’t think he was ever going to be forgiven for his past indiscretions, especially since he was running around with blond hair and getting new tattoos every other day, but somehow the powers-that-be let him back in the club to do what he does best…entertain. Check out his jaw-dropping performance at this year’s VMA’s where he literally flew above the rest. Talk about a redemption performance.

11. Charlie Sheen(in)
On March 1, 2011 ABC aired a 20/20 interview with Charlie Sheen that literally made our mouths hit the ground. After Sheen declared he had “tiger blood” and “Adonis DNA,” the bizarreness just kept going.  Sheen inspired the catch phrase “winning” and sparked thousands of spoofs, t-shirts and public speculation that he had completely lost his mind.  According to him, he wasn’t bi-polar, he was “bi-winning!”‘

10. Eddie Long’s Sex Scandal
“Prosperity-preaching, homosexual-loathing” Mega-Pastor Bishop Eddie Long wasn’t just dropping jaws this year when it came out that he had allegedly sexually molested several young men in his church this past September.  The pastor initially denied the allegations but over the past few months his reputation has been tarnished, his 25,000 member church has dwindled and just last week, his wife filed for divorce.  In a year that seems filled with sex scandals, we have to say this one really blew us.  No pun intended.

9. The Rise and Fall of Herman Cain
He came, he campaigned, he somehow gained some traction and then he got dropped off the side of a sexual harassment cliff. It happened quickly enough that if you missed the Herman Cain show, you won’t ever have to be bothered about knowing who he is. But in the fall of 2011 this Black republican Presidential hopeful did more than enough things to make us look on in shock and awe. Check out this jaw-dropping campaign commercial that we’re still trying to decipher the meaning of.

8.  Rihanna is a Good Girl Gone Wild
Oh Rih-Rih, what can we say? This year, the Bajan Diva has gone from good girl to “wild child” with her drinking, partying, stripper-groping and overall bad girl image turned reality (we’re fearing a Lindsay Lohan is on our hands).  Recently the singer has even been rumored to be on 24-hour surveillance after collapsing while on stage and cancelling several shows as she tours Europe. Even Queen Bouncy told Rihanna it may be time for a sit-down. Let’s hope she takes a listen.

Rihanna performs for her 'Loud' tour at The O2 Arena on October 5, 2011 in London, United Kingdom.

7.  Ghadaffi’s Extremely Public Death Photos
Just wow.

6.  Kim Kardashian’s 72 Hour Day Long Marriage & Divorce
We can’t say we didn’t see this coming, especially since we are forced to watch almost every move the Kardashians make, but we were a bit shocked to find out newlyweds Kim Kardashian & Kris Humphries called it quits after a mere 72 days of their “fairytale marriage.” It happened so quickly that we were actually watching the wedding special the night before the announcement was made on Halloween of this year.  The photo below is a shot of Kim & Kris at their “Welcome to New York Party.” As far as we can see it from the latest episodes of Kourtney & Kim Take New York, it seems the city wasn’t particularly kind to the couple.

2011 Brian Ach, Getty Images

READ TOP 5 CONTEDERS TO BE KIM KARDASHIAN’S NEXT HUSBAND

5.  Beyonce’s Pregnant!
Because there was still one record she hadn’t broken yet in her life, Beyonce decided to set Twitter ablaze with a record setting 8,868 tweets per second on August 28 of this year when she announced her pregnancy while on stage performing at the MTV VMA’s. Who knows what else happened at the VMA’s (which were actually really good this year) because the ‘Bey is preggers’ chatter completely dominated the media following the show and hasn’t stopped since.  We’ll be hearing about Baby Carter until he (or she) makes a full-out public debut.

4. Heavy D. Passes
The overweight lover, music mogul and friend to the everyone in the business fell ill with pneumonia and died suddenly on November 9, 2011. Celebs and friends took to twitter immediately with an outpouring of condolences and heartfelt tributes. His funeral was a literal who’s-who of everyone in the entertainment business.  Al Sharpton gave the eulogy and even President Obama sent regards. 

3.  Barack Obama Was “Born In The U.S.A.”
After what seemed like months of poking from the end of Draco Malfoy – I mean Donald Trump’s imaginary wand – a Harry Potter-esque Barack Obama rose in the face of ridiculousness to produce the most coveted treasure hidden in America: his birth certificate. With one flick of his wand, the POTUS had the State of Hawaii produce the much sought-after document, erasing any hope The Donald had at a bid for a presidential nomination.  To add further insult to injury, the always cool, calm and collected President even mocked the whole incident at the White House Correspondents dinner (where Trump was in attendance).  By the time Seth Myers got up to pour salt in the wound, we felt like we were just waiting for those two final words, “FINISH HIM!”

2.  The Death of Osama Bin Laden
On Sunday May 1, 2011, as the nation sat with bated breath awaiting the Nene Leakes vs. Star Jones showdown on one of the final episodes of “Celebrity Apprentice” (maybe that was just us), the major networks interrupted programming with news of a “special report.” For about 45 minutes, we sat puzzled waiting for President Barack Obama to appear before us to announce that Osama Bin Laden had finally been found and killed. We knew that it had to be something really big to interrupt “Celebrity Apprentice,” but it was certainly one of this year’s most shocking moments.

Hillary Clinton and members of the national security team receive an update on the mission against Osama bin Laden in the Situation Room of the White House May 1, 2011 in Washington, DC.

1.

Disagree with our list? Tell us about it on twitter @hellobeautiful. Follow me @Leighdav

Enter to win HelloBeautiful’s 12 Days Of Christmas Sweepstakes

Check it out!

Jennifer Hudson Reveals She Turned Down Role Of “Precious”

J.Hud May Testify In Court For Family’s Tragic Triple Murder

Start Gallery

Around the time that Hudson was finishing promo for her role in “Dreamgirls,” director Lee Daniels approached her about “Precious,” but Hudson couldn’t fathom the idea of packing on more pounds for another film.

“I had done that with Effie… and as much as I was moved by this film,” she said. “I wanted to try a role that had nothing whatsoever to do with my weight.”

Do you think she made the right decision?

In Case You Missed It: 5 Amazing “VH1 Divas” Performances! [VIDEOS]

J.Hud May Testify In Court For Family’s Tragic Triple Murder

Jennifer Hudson: “I Never Said I Was A Size 0″

Start Gallery

Jennifer Hudson, Mary J. Blige and Kelly Clarkson: “You Keep Me Hanging On” / “Spotlight” / “Real Love” / “Since U Been Gone” Medley [OPENER]

Jill Scott, Erykah Badu and Black Thought: “You Got Me”

Sharon Jones & Ledisi: “Rescue Me”

Estelle, Erykah Badu, Marsha Ambrosius and Questlove: “Back To Life”

Mary J. Blige and Chaka Khan: “Ain’t Nobody” [CLOSER]

Watch the show in full HERE (online) or on TV at the following dates & times:
Thurs., Dec. 22 at 8:00pm
Sat., Dec. 24 at 8:00am and 9:00pm
Sun., Dec. 25 at 11:00am

Backstage & On The Red Carpet At “VH1 Divas”: Who Looked Best? [PHOTOS]

HB’s Top 20 Most Jaw-Dropping Moments Of 2011

J.Hud May Testify In Court For Family’s Tragic Triple Murder

Start Gallery

The show won’t air until tonight, December 19 at 9pm, but we’ve got a teaser for you until then! Here are all the songs you can expect to hear!

MEDLEY: “You Keep Me Hanging On” – Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Hudson and Mary J. Blige / “Spotlight” – Jennifer Hudson / “Real Love” – Mary J. Blige / “Since You Been Gone” – Kelly Clarkson / “You Keep Me Hanging On (Reprise)”

CHICAGO MEDLEY: “Rescue Me” – Sharon Jones and Ledisi/ “Ain’t Nobody” Mary J. Blige and Chaka Khan

DETROIT MEDLEY: “Nowhere To Run” – Marsha Ambrosius, Sharon Jones and Martha Reeves / “Chain Of Fools” – Kelly Clarkson and Ledisi / “Sweet Love” – Marsha Ambrosius and Ledisi

LONDON MEDLEY: “Back To Life” – Estelle, Erykah Badu, Marsha Ambrosius and Questlove / “Walking On Broken Glass” – Florence Welch

MEMPHIS TRIBUTE: “Knock On Wood” – Jessie J and Jennifer Hudson / “I’ll Take You There” – Erykah Badu, Chaka Kahn and Mavis Staples

PHILADELPHIA MEDLEY: “Wake Up Everybody” – Estelle and Travie McCoy / “You Got Me” – Jill Scott, Erykah Badu and Black Thought / “Motownphilly” – Boyz II Men

AMY WINEHOUSE TRIBUTE: “You Know I’m No Good” – Sharon Jones with The Dap-Kings with Wanda Jackson / “Back To Black” – Florence Welch

Now, who looked best? Check the gallery below!

Start Gallery

VOTE!

Williams Balfour, who has been behind bars for the killings, plead not guilty to murder and home invasion, but J.Hud may serve as the “star witness” who – we hope – can bring this case to justice.

The trial is set for February.

Jennifer Hudson: “I Never Said I Was A Size 0″

Jennifer Hudson Covers Ebony Magazine: David “Saved My Life”

Did Jennifer Hudson Call Off Her Engagement?

Start Gallery