Hudson 'honored' by Grammy nods

LOS ANGELES, Dec. 5 (UPI) -- Jennifer Hudson, the U.S. singer-actress whose mother, brother and nephew were shot to death Oct. 24, says she was honored by her Grammy nominations this week.

The Oscar-winner's self-titled debut CD is up for R&B Album of the Year and her song "Spotlight" was nominated for Best R&B Song and Best Female R&B Vocal Performance. She also shares a nomination for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals for her duet with Fantasia on the song "I'm His Only Woman."

"It's been a childhood dream of mine to release an album, so to receive four Grammy nominations is truly a blessing. I'm extremely honored and humbled by the nominations," Hudson said in a statement issued to E! Online by Arista Records.

Hudson's film credits include "Dreamgirls," "Sex and the City" and "The Secret Life of Bees." She started out as a contestant on the television singing competition show "American Idol."

Her brother-in-law was charged Tuesday with killing her three family members.