Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell Offers Prayers to Jennifer Hudson; Dreamgirls Casting on Hold

Casting for upcoming national tour postponed until Nov. 22 in light of the slayings of Jennifer Hudson's mother, brother and nephew

Paula Abdul remains firmly rooted in Jennifer Hudson's corner, now so more than ever.

"This is a horrific tragedy, and my thoughts and prayers go out to Jennifer and her entire family," the American Idol judge, who has also reached out to the Idol contestant turned Oscar winner personally, said Monday in light of the slayings of Hudson's mother, brother and nephew.

"The time I had to get to know Jennifer and forge a wonderful friendship with her while she was on Idol was very special to me, and I personally can't imagine a greater loss for any family."

Speaking to Extra from London, Simon Cowell said, "I was horrified when I heard the news. This is an appalling tragedy. My thoughts right now are with Jennifer, and her family."

Hudson had multiple engagements lined up this week to promote her new album and her latest film, The Secret Life of Bees—all of which were immediately canceled Friday as her family tragedy unfolded.

Meanwhile, the Dreamgirls stage has also gone dark under these nightmarish circumstances.

Out of respect for Hudson, who won an Oscar last year for her portrayal of ousted girl-group singer Effie White in the 2006 film adaptation of the Tony-winning musical, casting for the show's upcoming national tour has been postponed.

"Our prayers and thoughts are with Ms. Hudson and her family at this tragic time,” producer John Breglio said Monday. “Due to this horrific tragedy, we feel this is not the time for a talent search for a role that is so closely connected with Ms. Hudson."

Open auditions had been scheduled to kick off Nov. 1 at New York's Apollo Theater. Instead, the process won't start until Nov. 22.

Hudson, whose mother, Darnell Donerson, and older brother, Jason Hudson, were found shot to death Friday in Donerson's Chicago home, just learned today that her 7-year-old nephew, who was reported missing Friday, had also been killed.

The body of 7-year-old Julian King, who was reported missing Friday, was found early this morning by FBI in the backseat of the Chevy Suburban he was supposedly taken in.