Jennifer Hudson performs for hometown crowd

JENNIFER HUDSON has performed in her hometown concert for the first time since the murder of her mother, brother and nephew.

The actress and singer took to the stage in her native Chicago on Saturday night (25Apr09) for her first gig in the city since her mum, Darnell Donerson, brother, Jason, and seven-year-old nephew, Julian King - son of sister Julia - were killed last year.

The Spotlight hitmaker took some time out after the murders to grieve, but returned three months later to announce her first tour which kicked off last month.

And Hudson made sure her Chicago gig was one to remember as she surrounded herself with those closest to her during the emotional show and welcomed four of her cousins onstage to perform with her.

She also dedicated her song track You Pulled Me Through to family members who were in the audience.

William Balfour, Julia's estranged husband, has pleaded not guilty to charges of first degree murder and home invasion.