Jennifer Hudson Breaks Her Silence

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Following the Chicago murders of her mother Darnell Hudson Donerson, brother Jason and nephew Julian King last month, Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson has opened up to her fans in a brief message posted on her MySpace blog.

"I want to thank each and every one of you for your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time," Hudson wrote last night at 10:52 p.m. "My sister and I take great comfort and strength from your love and concern."

She signed the post as "jhud," her nickname used in the media and by fans.

Hudson entered national prominence as a contestant on the third season of American Idol, in 2003. Though she didn't make it to the finale, in 2006 she won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role as "Effie White" in the movie-musical Dreamgirls.

William Balfour, the sole suspect in the murder case, has not been formally charged. During a November 10 hearing he was ordered to remain behind bars until December 3 on an unrelated parole violation, notes the L.A. Times.

Despite the tragedy, 27-year-old Hudson will appear in a holiday-themed Gap commercial that features her smiling and wearing a red sweater.

The TV ad was shot in July.