N o w - H o l l y w o o d . b l o g s p o t .c o m

American Idol judge Paula Abdul has sent thoughts and prayers to the reality show's former contestant Jennifer Hudson - who is mourning the death of her mother, brother and nephew.

Abdul helped Hudson reach the American Idol final 12 back in 2004. It proved a launchpad for the star and she went on to win an Oscar for her role in movie musical Dreamgirls just three years later.

Speaking to U.S. TV show Extra on Monday, Abdul spoke of the shocking murder of Darnell Donerson, Jason Hudson and Julian King in their hometown of Chicago, Illinois.

She said, "This is 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 'Idol' was very special to me, and I personally can't imagine a greater loss for any family."

One "person of interest" is currently being held by police in relation to the murders. William Balfour, the estranged husband of Hudson's sister Julia, is being quizzed by cops, but has yet to be charged with any crime.