Simon Cowell: Hudson Family Deaths Are "Absolutely Horrendous"

American Idol judges Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul are expressing their well wishes to season three contestant Jennifer Hudson , whose mother, brother and nephew were violently killed by an unidentified assailant last week in Chicago. "What has happened is absolutely horrendous," Cowell tells Usmagazine.com in a statement. "My thoughts go out to Jennifer and all her family. This is absolutely horrible." Abdul tells Entertainment Tonight the domestic-related murders are a "horrific tragedy and my thoughts and prayers go out to Jennifer and her entire family. "The time I had to get to know Jennifer and forge a wonderful friendship with her while she was on [American] Idol was very special to me, and I personally can't imagine a greater loss for any family." Police are questioning William Balfour -- the estranged husband of Jennifer's sister -- as a person of interest in the Hudson family deaths. Meanwhile, neighbors and well-wishers dropped off teddy bears and flowers  ... (link)