American Idol Pals Offer Support To Jennifer Hudson 10/27/08

Jennifer Hudson's fellow American Idol alumni have expressed their shock at hearing the news of the murders of the star's mother and brother - paying tribute to the Oscar-winner's devastated family.

Former talent show contenders Diana DeGarmo, Jon Peter Lewis and Camile Velasco have reached out to the star, offering their support to Hudson in her hour of need. The trio was included in the talent show's third season final 12 line-up alongside Hudson, who was catapulted to fame after she was eliminated in the show - going on to win an Academy Award for her role in Dreamgirls.

DeGarmo, who finished second that season, couldn't believe Hudson's family had been involved in the horrific incident, insisting they were all well liked. She tells Access Hollywood, "I was completely shocked and stunned when I heard about this tragedy. I know how important Jennifer's mother and brother were to her.. They were so nice and so pleasant. Jennifer always spoke about her mom, how close they were and how much of a 'big sister' role her mom played in her life."

And former contestant Velasco describes Hudson's mum Darnell Donnerson as a "wonderful" woman. She says, "I met Jennifer's mom when she came to the set in L.A. and I also went to Jennifer's home on the South Side of Chicago during the 'American Idol' tour and spent time with her mom. She was a great lady, real sweet and a great supporter of Jennifer's who was happy and glad for her daughter's success."

Lewis, who became close pals with Hudson during her time on the hit show, is devastated about the slayings, because the star had just started to live out her fantasies. He adds, "She was living her dream. For her to have gone on (from Idol) to be in so many wonderful movies and to have gotten an Oscar and to have a strong record out, and she recently got engaged - she had the whole world before her... everything was fine."

Donnerson and her son Jason Hudson, 29, were found dead at their home in Chicago, Illinois on Friday (24Oct08). They had both received fatal gun shot wounds.

Hudson has since issued an appeal for the return of her nephew, Julian King, seven, who has been missing since the murders.