Jennifer Hudson made her first hometown concert since the murder of her mother, brother and nephew a family affair by welcoming four of her cousins onstage to perform with her.
The Spotlight hitmaker took to the stage in her native Chicago on Saturday night (25Apr09) for her first gig in the city since her mum, Darnell Donerson, brother, Jason, and seven-year-old nephew, Julian King - son of sister Julia - were killed last year (08).
The star took time out from the limelight to grieve after their tragic deaths, but returned to the public eye just over three months after the slayings, announcing her first tour which kicked off last month (Mar09).
And Hudson made sure her Chicago gig was one to remember as she surrounded herself with those closest to her during the emotional show.
She dedicated track You Pulled Me Through to family members who were in the audience, before asking four of her cousins to sing a pair of a capella spiritual songs.
William Balfour, Julia's estranged husband, has pleaded not guilty to charges of first degree murder and home invasion.