DEVELOPING:

Authorities say they’ve found the body of a young black boy in an SUV in the city’s West Side, but there is no confirmation that the development is related to the search for Jennifer Hudson’s missing nephew.

MyFOXChicago is reporting that police located the SUV, which is believed to be the getaway vehicle driven by William Balfour, a suspect in the murders of the family members of Oscar-winning actress and singer Hudson.

While Chicago police have not yet confirmed whether the vehicle is in fact the white Chevy Suburban that police have been searching for, MyFOXChicago is reporting that the license plates match the Amber Alert issued after Hudson’s 7-year-old nephew Julian King was reported missing after the murders Friday.

The vehicle was reportedly located 13 miles northwest of the Hudson home and was removed by a tow truck from the street Monday morning.

Balfour was named in as a potential suspect Friday in the shooting deaths of Hudson’s mother, Darnell Donerson, 57, and older brother Jason Hudson, 29. The FBI is working on the case with local authorities.

Balfour was married to Hudson’s sister, Julia, for several years but they were separated, his mother, Michele Balfour said. She said Donerson had ordered him to move out of the family’s home last winter.

On Sunday, Hudson, whose single “Spotlight” is number one on the Billboard R&B charts, offered a $100,000 reward for the safe return of King.

This is a developing story. {Source}

This is really beyond terrible. I have no words. Sad.

Our thoughts and prayers remain with the entire Hudson family at this terrible time.

Your thoughts?

Since the international success of ‘American Boy’, Estelle has been churning out great single after great single – the latest being ‘Come Over’ featuring Sean Paul. The video for the release premiered here in the UK today. Put simply, its pretty good.

Estelle’s album ‘Shine’ is in stores now.

What do you think of the song / video?

The second week of X Factor 2008 live shows aired last night here in the UK. Check out my 2 Pence on the Big Band themed week below:

{For those unfamiliar with the show; The X Factor is the UK’s version of American Idol – with a twist in that groups and over 25’s are eligible to enter. The show also birthed the career of a certain Leona Lewis}

I’m not really a fan of the Big Band theme, however, as usual, certain acts stood out. Check out my favourite performances by Alexandra and Rachel below, as well as the ensemble performance of ‘Hero’:

Alexandra Burke – Candyman

Rachel Hyton – Feeling Good

Final 12 – Hero

Great to see Rachel giving the performance we all knew she was capable of. I must say, Alexandra did an awesome job. I’m really hoping she wins it.

Your thoughts?

New Beyonce news has seemingly become a staple feature as the release of her eagerly anticipated 3rd solo outing ‘I Am…Sasha Fierce’ draws nearer its November 18th release (November 17th in the UK). Tidbit: To clarify, the album (as a whole) will be titled ‘I Am…Sasha Fierce’, serving to introduce her alter ego Sasha Fierce as well as showcase the more ballad-esque tracks on the ‘I Am…’ part of the album. Still confused? LOL.

X Factor chiefs are reportedly furious that Beyoncé has also agreed to appear on Strictly Come Dancing.

The singer, who is promoting her new LP I Am… Sasha Fierce, has already agreed to appear on the ITV singing contest in December.

However, The Mirror reports that Strictly has nabbed the star to make an earlier appearance at the end of November.

“As far as we are concerned we are the No1 show on Saturday. If X Factor wants Beyoncé, they’ll have to wait. She has signed and we’ve also got Take That confirmed for the coming weeks,” a BBC source said.

Meanwhile, an insider at The X Factor said they also have Mariah Carey and Britney Spears lined up. “We aren’t happy Beyoncé is doing Strictly, but she is just one of a number of huge names we’re getting,” the source said. {Source}

It’s a win/win IMO. Word has it she’ll be performing ‘If I Were A Boy’ on X-Factor, while (possibly) offering the first live rendition of ‘Single Ladies’ on Strictly Come Dancing. I guess time will tell.

Anyway, you can now watch the trailer for Bey’s forthcoming movie, Cadillac Records (due in theatres in December) below:

Good stuff.

Your thoughts?

The King of Pop Michael Jackson caused a media frenzy when he made a rare appearance during a shopping trip in West Hollywood, California yesterday. A much happier and healthier Jackson, 50, is said to have made a number of purchases at an antiques store which ironically is called ‘Off The Wall’ – the same name as his 1980 breakthrough solo effort.

It is believed that Michael currently resides in neighbouring Las Vegas, where he continues to work on a number of projects, including his eagerly awaited ‘comeback’ album.

What do you think of the pics?

Peep this preview of Mariah Carey’s 3rd official release from ‘E=MC²’, ‘I Stay In Love’. The clip was directed by husband Nick Cannon.

Kudos to Mariah for actually releasing a half-decent song within the life-span of the album (which I personally think expired when ‘Bye Bye’ stalled), but I’m kinda thinking it may be too late. I’m really baffled at why labels seem to be ignoring the tracks the masses are calling for to be released i.e. in Mariah’s case ‘For The Record’, Rihanna ‘Breakin’ Dishes’, the list goes on…

Anyway, can catch the BET: Access Granted for ‘I Stay In Love’ on Monday (27th October).

Your thoughts?

The video for Keri Hilson’s latest assault on the charts ‘Return The Favor’ premiered on Yahoo Music a few moments ago. As an avid fan of the song, I’m pleased that the video really compliments what is an excellent track. Futuristic and edgy, the clip (correct me if wrong) sees Timbaland oversee the makings of a star. Indeed, if this song takes off (which I hope it does), Keri could be on her way to stardom.

What do you think of the video?

As some of you may know, Beyonce will be starring as legend Etta James in the anticipated ‘Cadillac Records’ movie this December. Unsurprisingly, Ms. Knowles covers James’ career-defining song ‘At Last’ in the movie and similar to her previous film showings (i.e. Dreamgirls) her version will also be released.

Say what you want about her, but she definitely did the song justice. Not as great as the original, I must add, but still a commendable effort. Good stuff.

Hit or Miss?