Jennifer Hudson to tape prime-time Christmas special in Chicago hometown

Hudson will return to Chicago to film ABC special

NEW YORK — Jennifer Hudson returns to her hometown of Chicago for an ABC prime-time special, “Jennifer Hudson: I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” that will air in December.

The network says the 28-year-old singer-actress will share childhood memories of the music, people and places that set the stage for her career. Musical performances will be filmed on location throughout the city.

Hudson, who gained fame first as a top contender on “American Idol,” won an Oscar for her role in “Dreamgirls” and a Grammy for best R&B album for her self-titled debut CD.

The network says a date and time for the hour-long music special hasn’t yet been scheduled.

Hudson’s mother, brother and 7-year-old nephew were slain in Chicago last year.

ABC is owned by The Walt Disney Co.

On the Net:

www.jenniferhudson.com