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Lawyer in slayings wants to meet Jennifer Hudson

CHICAGO, Feb. 8 (UPI) -- Lawyers representing a Chicago man accused of killing Jennifer Hudson's mother, brother and nephew say they want to meet with the film star in person.

The lawyers say the Academy Award-winning actress could be called to the stand to testify in the April murder trial of William Balfour, the Chicago Sun-Times reported.

Hudson hasn't been identified as a witness but defense attorney Amy Thompson cited possible evidence -- a text message Hudson exchanged with her mother around the time of the mother's fatal shooting.

Hudson is best known for her Oscar-winning performance in the movie musical "Dreamgirls."

Balfour, 30, is the estranged husband of Hudson's sister, Julia.

Thompson's request came Tuesday as she and Cook County prosecutors argued over whether there was probable cause for Balfour's Oct. 24, 2008, arrest in the Chicago killings.

Detective say Julia Hudson let Balfour use a bathroom at her home in the city's Englewood neighborhood hours before her family members were killed there. Julia Hudson had told Balfour she was seeing another man and didn't want to speak to him but still let him in the home, Wentworth Area Detective Tim Nolan said Tuesday. Balfour was standing on the porch of the home when she left for work, Julia Hudson told detectives.

When she returned, her mother, Darnell Donerson, 57, and brother Jason Hudson, 29, were found shot to death, retired detective Allen Szudarski testified. Julia Hudson's son, Julian King, 7, was found fatally shot in Jason Hudson's stolen sport utility vehicle on the West Side three days later.

N.Y. news anchor won't be prosecuted

NEW YORK, Feb. 8 (UPI) -- After a two-week investigation, prosecutors said they have decided not to file rape charges against the son of New York Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly.

Last month a 28-year-old paralegal accused Greg Kelly, 43, a local television anchor, of assaulting her in October at the law office where she worked, the New York Daily News reported Wednesday.

The decision not to prosecute Kelly came after both the accuser and Kelly's lawyer met separately with sex crimes unit chief Martha Bashford.

"I am grateful that the investigation established what I've known all along, that I am innocent of the allegations that were waged against me," Kelly said in a statement.

Because Kelly's father was police commissioner, the department turned the case over to the office of Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance, The New York Times reported.

Once the allegations went public, Kelly took a leave from his position as an anchor of "Good Day New York" on WNTW.

Jay-Z brings rap to Carnegie Hall

NEW YORK, Feb. 8 (UPI) -- Hip-hop star Jay-Z headlined a 2-hour show at New York's historic classical music venue Carnegie Hall this week.

Billboard.com said Monday night's show marked only the second time a rap act has perform there.

Wyclef Jean, accompanied by guests Stevie Wonder, Eric Clapton and Whitney Houston, took the stage there in 2001.

Jay-Z performed for a crowd of 2,800 while backed by an orchestra and band. Among the songs he sang were "I.Z.Z.O.," "Glory," "Hard Knock Life," ''99 Problems" and "Dirt Off Your Shoulder." Alicia Keys also dropped by to help out on their duet "Empire State of Mind," Billboard.com said.

Proceeds from the show are intended to benefit the United Way of New York City and the Shawn Carter Scholarship Foundation.

Among those who attended the concert were entertainer Liza Minnelli and Jay-Z's wife, Beyonce, who gave birth to their first child, Blue Ivy, last month.

Beach Boys to perform at Grammys

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 8 (UPI) -- The Beach Boys have signed up to sing at Sunday's Grammy Awards show in Los Angeles, organizers said Wednesday.

This will mark the first time in more than two decades Brian Wilson, Mike Love, Al Jardine, Bruce Johnston and David Marks perform together live, the Recording Academy said Wednesday.

The group will reunite on the Grammy stage and join Foster the People and Maroon 5 for a special performance.

Also added to the lineup at the Staples Center are The Civil Wars, Diana Krall, Maceo Parker and Joe Walsh.

Announced as presenters are Common, Taraji P. Henson, Reba McEntire and Diana Ross.

LL Cool J is to serve as host of the event.