Jennifer Hudson received four Grammy award nominations.  Her self-titled album was nominated for best R&B album, best female R&B vocal performance, best R&B song and best R&B performace by a duo or group with vocals for her duet with fellow former American Idol contestant, Fantasia.

“It’s been a childhood dream of mine to release an album, so to receive four Grammy nominations is truly a blessing,” Hudson said in a statement.  “I’m extremely honoured and humbled by the nominations.”

Kanye West wants to pursue a new career path, according to the New York Times website. 

“Mr. West has announced that he wants to take time off from his music career and intern at a fashion house,” said the report.  “Preferably, Louis Vuitton or Raf Simons.”

West already has a men’s shoe line for Louis Vuitton, his own Past Tell clothing line and a jewelry collaboration with Japanese artist Takashi Murakami.

Kanye West won two awards for best rap/hip-hop male artist and best rap/hip-hop album tonight at the American Music Awards.

Barack Obama is on the cover of GQ’s magazine annual “Men of the Year” issue.  Chicagoans are doing big things.  Ow!