JENNIFER HUDSON TO TAKE THE STAGE

Jennifer Hudson will take the stage for the first time since the October murders of her mother, brother and nephew on February 6 as part of the Recording Academy's MusiCares Person of the Year gala.

The event will honor veteran singer/songwriter Neil Diamond, and will feature Hudson singing one of Diamond's songs alongside a number of other contemporary singers paying homage to the "Sweet Caroline" crooner, including Coldplay, Adele, Foo Fighters, Josh Groban, Raul Malo and Tim McGraw.

Hudson has remained secluded since the murders, which resulted in charges on December 2 against her brother-in-law, William Balfour, who faces three counts of first-degree murder and one count of home invasion.