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By Ikam Acosta

Jennier Hudson was in the hot seat today, but not as a singing finalist but as a witness in her family's murder trial. Hudson had to testify against her ex-brother-in-law, William Balfour, charged with killing Jennifer's family.

Balfour was estranged from his wife, Julia Hudson. He killed Jennifer's mother after finding a gift addressed to Julia he believed to be from her new boyfriend. He also killed Jennifer's 29 year old brother, Jason Hudson. Balfour then kidnapped Julia's 7 year old son, Julian King, right before he shot him.

Jennifer recalled,

"I would tell Julia over and over again not to marry William. None of us- myself, my mother or my brother- we did not like how he treated her and I did not like how he treated my nephew."

Hudson was emotional while taking the stand. She was very close to her family, especially her nephew. Hudson remembers,

"It was always me and my Tugga Bear. That's what I called him."

Jennifer was away on vacation when her family was murdered. She was vacationing in Tampa, FL with fiancé David Otunga. Jennifer was very close to her mother, so she thought it strange when none of her texts were returned from her mom. Hudson said,

"I noticed that - I'm looking to see the text from my mom and there wasn't any. I kept sitting there, wondering, like, 'That's strange.' That's the first thing I said, "My mom didn't text me. Maybe she's busy; I don't know. I knew she would get back to me, you know, so I remember falling back to sleep. And when I woke up, that's when I got the news. My sister called my fiancé's phone. I remember it like yesterday, obviously. He couldn't understand what she was saying because she was so hysterical, and I grabbed the phone from him and that's when she told me."

Balfour denies being with the Hudsons at the time the murders took place. While there are no witnesses to the murders, Julia says she saw her ex hanging around the house as she left for work that day. There was no reason for him to be around the house, since their divorce was finalized last year.

Prosecutors believe a stolen gun from Jennifer's 29 year old brother was the murder weapon Balfour used to slay her family. He had threatened to kill Hudson's family several times since moving out of the family home back in 2008. The testimony process could last up to a month, and Jennifer is expected to attend the whole time.

Have you ever had to testify in a serious trial?

Tags Blogger: Ikam Acosta, Celebrities, Crime, Jennifer Hudson

By Ray Casas

There have been many summits and conferences that have included young Latinos in the past and the prevailing word used was “future.” But this was clearly not just any summit and the word that was used the most was “Now” “Ahora”.

On April 14th, 2012, on the campus of the University of Southern California, there was a feeling of anticipation and excitement that could not be measured. Hundreds of Young Latinos from all over the country came together to find out what they could do NOW to empower their community. Voto Latino’s Power Summit was also not just any summit where a few celebrities came to say a few words, sign autographs and take pictures with attendees. No, no, no! This summit was more than that.

Your favorite actors and entertainers, Wilmer Valderrama (NBC’s Awake) and Rosario Dawson (Rent, Seven Pounds, co-founder of Voto Latino) sat down with Dolores Huerta (co-founder of the United Farm Workers) to discuss issues such as The Dream Act, organizing, voting and immigration in this country. Ms. Irisol Gonzalez, a graduating senior from Appalachian State University who traveled all the way from North Carolina to attend the Power Summit summed it up best, “I found their urgency for participation contagious.”

Wilmer spoke about his very personal, immigrant experience along with what it meant for his family to come to the United States. Valderrama said

“Immigration is the biggest gift this country has ever received. We came to this country to work, my family needed a voice and I want to make a difference for my culture, mi gente.”

Maria Teresa Kumar, co-founder of Voto Latino also said that, “the conversation with celebrities like Wilmer and Rosario are authentic because they lived it.”

This summit was special for many reasons and one in particular was that it was an opportunity to celebrate the birthday of one of the greatest leaders in our community, Ms. Dolores Huerta. Ms. Hureta celebrated her 82nd birthday with students and Voto Latino supporters as they sang “Happy Birthday” to her with a cake and hugs from Rosario Dawson.

There was another celebrity sighting that many of you MTV Tr3s fans would be interested in hearing about. Yes, that’s right, the funny and talented; Carlos Santos (MTV Tr3s’ Mi TRL) performed for the crowd and brought the house down with his comedy.

Voto Latino is on a mission to recruit bloggers, community organizers and young people to get out the message for the 2012 Presidential Election. If you’re interested in becoming a part of this great movement, the time is NOW. Please visit Voto Latino. And as the great, Dolores Huerta has said many times in the past, “Si Se Puede.”

What social causes do you feel strongly about? Sound off @MTVTr3s.

Tags Blogger: Ray Casas, Celebrities, Dolores Huerta, Politics, Rosario Dawson, Voto Latino, Wilmer Valderrama

By Ikam Acosta

Dawson's Creek co-star Michelle Williams is totally stoked at the idea of a 10 year show reunion and possibly filming an anniversary special with the rest of the group.

As soon as Michelle heard that James Van Der Beek, who plays Dawson on the hit show, wanted to revive the show, she was very excited. Michelle said,

"He has my email! He has my home phone and my cell phone, so we talk."

Does anyone else plan to join Dawson and Jen for the reunion? Looks like Joey might be coming to the party as well. Katie Holmes, who plays Joey Potter on the show, said,

"It would be fun. I had so much fun working on that show and I loved everyone so much and I think about it with such fond memories."

Williams has done several movies since starring in the Creek, and now lives in Brooklyn with Matilda, her six year old daughter with the late Heath Ledger. Van Der Beek is co-starring in the new ABC show, Don't Trust The B**** In Apt 23, as himself.

Would you like to see a Dawson's Creek 10 year reunion show?

Tags Blogger: Ikam Acosta, Celebrities, James Van Der Beek, Katie Holmes, Michelle Williams, Television

By Ikam Acosta

What is it with ER actors these days, getting arrested at rallies. First, George Clooney gets arrested in Washington, D.C. at a political protest. Now, Noah Wyle gets arrested for one too.

Wyle was protesting Medicaid cuts when he was arrested, along with over a hundred other protesters. Noah said,

"As soon as everybody saw me being led away, they let up a big whooping cheer, which made me feel really good."

Wyle described his experience as an outlaw as "slightly surreal" and thought his family would be "proud of the old man right now." He now joins Clooney as a fellow member of ER who got arrested for a cause. Clooney was arrested at a Sudanese embassy while protesting violence in the country's southern region, along with his father.

Wyle joked,

"Let George focus on the international. I'll deal with the small domestic issues."

Noah commented through representatives on how his protests are a matter of Civil Rights. He said,

"Today, I took part in an effort by ADAPT to bring attention to the Medicaid cuts that have been made by many States and are threatened to be made on a Federal level- This issue is about Civil Rights not about medicine."

ADAPT released a statement on their website about organizing non-violent protests and encouraging activists to assure civil rights for people with disabilities.

Do you think Noah Wyle should have been arrested?

Tags Blogger: Ikam Acosta, Celebrities, ER, George Clooney, Noah Wyle, Politics

By Ikam Acosta

Actress Megan Fox is pregnant with her first child, fathered by Brian Austin Green, of Beverly Hills 90210 fame. This will be the couple's first child together.

Megan and Brian have been dating for years, but they finally tied the knot last year in June 2010. Megan is happy about starting a family. She shared,

"I want at least two, probably three kids. I've always been maternal."

At least we know she'll be a cool mom and let that child play with all the Transformers they want. Megan's child will be Green's second child. He already has a 10-year old son with his ex.

Fox, 25, and Green, 38, are looking forward to taking that next step, and are very excited about the happy news. Megan is already a great stepmom, so Brian is convinced she will also be good with the baby.

Do you think Megan Fox will have a boy or a girl?

Tags Blogger: Ikam Acosta, Brian Austin Green, Celebrities, Celebrity Couples, Megan Fox

By Ikam Acosta

You can add Sinead O'Connor to the list of crazy celebrities that suffer a meltdown. Sinead had reportedly cancelled her tour after having a "serious breakdown."

Sinead put the stop on her touring because of her bipolar disorder. She announced the cancellation on her website, describing herself as "very unwell." Her doctor told her she should not go on tour after her "very serious breakdown between December and March."

Sinead announced her separation from Barry Herridge after being married for 16 days. Just when you thought Kim Kardashian had a short run, this happens. Always keeping you on your toes, these celebrities.

O'Connor had originally planned to go on tour to promote her How About I Be Me (And You Be You) album that was just released this February. Realistically, Sinead knew she wasn't up for it at the moment, and confessed she was "attempting to be stronger than I actually am."

Do you think Sinead was too unstable to continue her tour?

Tags Blogger: Ikam Acosta, Celebrities, Música, Sinead O'Connor

By Ikam Acosta

American Idol fans can expect to see Ryan Seacrest's familiar smile on their television sets for another couple of seasons. The Idol host renewed his contract with the show for two more years.

Seacrest has been a host on American Idol since the series debut back in 2002. Mike Darnell, Fox executive, commented on Seacrest's hosting talents,

"Ryan is one of a kind. His ability to engage the viewers, keep the contestants at ease during intense moments and adapt to any situation, especially during the live shows, solidifies him as the absolute best in the business. He is an integral part of why American Idol is a true phenomenon, and we can't imagine doing this show without him."

Cecile Frot-Coutaz, from FremantleMedia, also had admirable things to say about Ryan. She said,

"I am thrilled that Ryan will continue to be the face of Americal Idol. He runs the show with such expertise, warmth, and charm that he makes one of the hardest jobs in television look easy. He is one of the best in the business and we are lucky to have him."

Seacrest is happy to stay on board the American Idol family. He stated,

"For the last 11 seasons, I've had the privilege to be a part of one of television's most iconic shows. It's been a wild ride, and I'm excited for my journey with American Idol to continue. The legions of fans, amazingly talented contestants, judges, and producers, along with the hard working Idol crew, impress me every time we go on air and make hosting the show a dream job. I especially appreciate the support of everyone at FremantleMedia North America- and I look forward to continuing our partnership."

Ryan Seacrest has really become a household name. I couldn't imagine American Idol without him.

Are you glad to see Seacrest return to host two more years of American Idol?

Tags American Idol, Blogger: Ikam Acosta, Celebrities, Música, Reality shows, Ryan Seacrest, Television

By Ikam Acosta

Late night queen Chelsea Handler isn't one to hold her tongue. She was recently quoted as saying how Angelina Jolie was untrustworthy, a slight step up from calling her a "homewrecker" last year.

Funny lady Chelsea has no problem calling out Jolie on her shady ways, saying the actress epitomizes "the opposite of a girl's girl." Handler said,

"[Jolie] doesn't strike me as someone I would have a close friendship with. You just know as a woman, when you see another woman, if that's a woman you can trust."

Chelsea has disapproved of Angelina ever since Angie stole Brad Pitt away from her good friend Jennifer Aniston while filming Mr. & Mrs. Smith. In December 2010, Handler went off about Jolie during a comedy routine, saying, "[Jolie] can rescue as many babies from as many countries as she wants to," but she will still lack female friends for obvious man-stealing reasons.

Speaking of relationships, Chelsea's relationship with Andre Balazs is back on. She dished,

"We just got back together literally yesterday. We had dated for nine months, a long-distance relationship with all the stresses and traveling and running around. It wasn't a real-life; we weren't living together. So Andre came to me yesterday and said, 'I think we have to try to make this work again.' And I agreed because we're still madly in love, and he has done a lot of the things I've asked him to, and I've done a lot of the stuff he's asked me to... It's just a matter of... understanding each other better- getting to know what the other person's needs are and not basing all your behavior on your own desire."

Well that's good news, Chelsea! Just make sure you keep Andre away from Angelina Jolie.

Would you trust Angelina Jolie around your man?

Tags Angelina Jolie, Blogger: Ikam Acosta, Brad Pitt, Celebrities, Celebrity Couples, Chelsea Handler, Jennifer Aniston

By Michael Lopez

There is no denying that anticipation was high leading up to the final performance of Coachella weekend two. When Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg first took the stage two Sundays ago, they blew the crowd away with a lifelike 2pac hologram! And this weekend, they pretty much replicated the same performance. But seeing how amazing the technology was, we had to think to ourselves, which dearly departed Latinos could use a holographic makeover?

Celia Cruz – Believe it or not, it’s been nine long years since we lost legendary Cubana Celia Cruz. Not only did “The Queen of Salsa” put out some incredible records, she was an extremely dynamic performer. Just the idea of seeing her dressed in one of her glittering outfits belting out "¡Azúcar!" on a concert stage is enough for us to fork over some Ticketmaster money.

Jerry Garcia – Who can forget the part-Spanish leader of The Grateful Dead? Jerry passed away back in 1996, but not before leaving a live legacy that’s still talked about today. Sadly a whole generation has now missed the opportunity to see his trademark guitar playing. But in hologram form, he and his compadres could keep on “Rambling” into the 21st century.

Selena Quintanilla – Now this concert tour would be a no-brainer. With her huge fanbase and untapped potential, Selena could easily sell out shows in hologram form. And judging by the way her estate continues to pump out new material, we wouldn’t be surprised if her “beyond the grave” comeback is already in the planning stages.

Ritchie Valens – Yea we all enjoyed seeing Lou Diamond Phillips lip sync the classic hits in that 1980’s La Bamba movie. But what would REALLY get old school rockabilly fans excited would be a holographic version of Ritchie Valens himself! One of music’s true Latino trailblazers, he could join synthesized Buddy Holly for a 2012 reunion tour…just as long as they don’t leave the theater in any rickety hologram planes.

Freddie Prinze & Greg Giraldo – Who says the holograms have to be singers? Latin comics Freddie Prinze and Greg Giraldo proved to be wildly entertaining on the standup stage. Freddie was one of the all-time greats, passing away way too young back in 1977. We lost Greg in 2010, just as his status as “Roastmaster” was reaching its peak. Why not bring them back for The Late Latinos of Comedy Tour?

Which deceased celeb would you like to see turned into a hologram? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags 2pac, Blogger: Michael Lopez, Celebrities, Celia Cruz, Coachella, Freddie Prinze, Greg Giraldo, Jerry Garcia, RIP, Ritchie Valens, Selena Quintanilla, Technology

By Michael Lopez

Often times when we lose a loved one, we want to express our feelings to our dearest confidants. In the case of Alejandro Sanz, that meant grieving to his 5.5 million Twitter followers.

This past Thursday, Sanz’ mother, Maria Pizarro, passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack. Feeling the need to mourn with the world, Alejandro wrote,

“Don’t let time decide. Don’t let it beat you…Call your parents right now and tell them they are the most important thing in your life. A big hug and thanks again. Life goes on but badly.”

He went on to describe her stern, but loving personality,

“She was the boss,” he posted. “Her truth was made of marble and her innocence of green pineapples.”

And the Tweets didn’t stop there. Turning his messages into an online diary, Sanz told his fans about the wave of emotions he was experiencing.

“I want you to know that she loved all of you so much,” he Tweeted to his followers. “You were always on her mind. And she would have made a garbanzo bean soup for each and every one of you if she could. Thanks for your affection. There is no consolation.”

Who knew Twitter could be such a therapeutic process for dealing with loss? It’s certainly worked to mourn icons in the past. And we’ll definitely be saying prayers for Alejandro’s madre tonight.

Have you ever lost anyone close to you? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Alejandro Sanz, Blogger: Michael Lopez, Celebrities, Maria Pizarro, Música, RIP, twitter