Jennifer Hudson received four Grammy award nominations.  Her self-titled album was nominated for best R&B album, best female R&B vocal performance, best R&B song and best R&B performace by a duo or group with vocals for her duet with fellow former American Idol contestant, Fantasia.

“It’s been a childhood dream of mine to release an album, so to receive four Grammy nominations is truly a blessing,” Hudson said in a statement.  “I’m extremely honoured and humbled by the nominations.”

Kanye West wants to pursue a new career path, according to the New York Times website. 

“Mr. West has announced that he wants to take time off from his music career and intern at a fashion house,” said the report.  “Preferably, Louis Vuitton or Raf Simons.”

West already has a men’s shoe line for Louis Vuitton, his own Past Tell clothing line and a jewelry collaboration with Japanese artist Takashi Murakami.

President- Elect Barack Obama and soon-to-be First Lady Michelle will be featured on a double cover of the January 2009 edition of  Essence Magazine, which features a 56-page tribute commemorating this historic victory and what it means for Black America.

Happy Holidays!

On Thanksgiving Eve, President Elect Barack Obama and family worked with the Greater Chicago Food Depository to distribute food at St. Columbanus at 7120 S. Calumet on the South Side.  The Obamas said that they wanted to give their daughers, 10-year-old Malia and 7-year-old Sasha, “an understanding of what giving and Thanksgiving is all about,” said the Chicago Tribune.

Obama also went inside to wish the children at the St. Columbanus school a Happy Thanksgiving.  Ahhh…sweet.

The Obamas’ interview with Barbara Walters also aired on Thanksgiving Eve.  The couple discussed their upcoming administration and their move to Washington.

Kanye West won two awards for best rap/hip-hop male artist and best rap/hip-hop album tonight at the American Music Awards.

Barack Obama is on the cover of GQ’s magazine annual “Men of the Year” issue.  Chicagoans are doing big things.  Ow!

U.S. President Elect Barack Obama and his wife Michelle give their first televised interview since the election.  Check out the clip above of Barack discussing the reaction to his win.

In the latest issue of OK! magazine, Michelle Obama discussed being wife and mother to the new First Family at their new address, 1600 Pennsylvania Ave.  For more, check OK! site.

Jennifer Hudson will be featured in a new holiday ad for Gap.  The photos were taken in July before several of her family members were killed in October.  Gap considered pulling the plug on the photos but received the go ahead from Hudson to continue the campaign.

“We felt that it was really important first and foremost to respect what she wanted to do so long as she felt comfortable with her campaign being out there,” said Olivia Doyne, Gap marketing and pr director.

Jennifer Hudson and her family have been staying free of charge at the Donald Trump’s International Hotel and Tower on State St. since the deaths of her mother, brother and nephew on Oct. 24. 

“She’s a great girl and we’re protecting them well,” said Trump to People magazine.  “They are very safe.”

Hudson also thanked her fans for their support on her myspace page Thursday saying,” I want to thank each and every one of you for your thoughts and pravers during this difficult time.  My sister and I take great comfort and strength form your love and concern.”

The Secret Service names for the Obama family have been revealed.  Barack is Renegade, Michelle is Renaissance, Malia is Radiance, and Sasha is Rosebud.  Vice-President Joe Biden’s name is Celtic and his wife Jill’s name is Capri.

President-Elect Barack Obama and his wife Michelle went to tour the White House Tuesday.  His first visit since winning the presidential election.  For more than an hour, President Bush and Obama spoke alone in the Oval Office.  Laura Bush gave Michelle a tour of the living quarters where the Obama girls would live.  Michelle also toured private schools for the girls while in Washington D.C.